Liquid crystal display device

ABSTRACT

A liquid crystal display device that has a higher contrast ratio in a wide viewing angle and that can be easily produced at low cost. The liquid crystal display device may include polarizers and multiple birefringent layers. A first birefringent layer (I) can have an in-plane slow axis forming an angle of about 45° with an absorption axis of the first polarizer; the second birefringent layer (I) can have an in-plane slow axis substantially orthogonal to the in-plane slow axis of the first birefringent layer (I).

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to liquid crystal display (LCD) devices,and more particularly relates to circularly-polarizing plate-includingVA (vertical alignment) LCD devices.

BACKGROUND ART

LCD devices are widely used as display devices for variousdata-processing devices such as computers and televisions. Inparticular, TFT LCD devices (hereinafter, also referred to as “TFT-LCD”)become popular, and expansion of the TFT-LCD market is expected. Such asituation creates a demand for much improved image quality.

Although the present description employs the TFT-LCD as an example, thepresent invention may be applicable to general LCDs such as passivematrix LCDs and plasma address LCDs, in addition to the TFT-LCDs.

The most widely used mode in the TFT-LCDs currently is a mode in which aliquid crystal having positive dielectric anisotropy is horizontallyaligned between parallel substrates, namely, the TN (twisted nematic)mode. In a TN LCD device, the alignment direction of LC moleculesadjacent to one substrate is twisted by 90° to that of LC moleculesadjacent to the other substrate. Such TN LCD devices are now produced atlow cost and have been industrially mature, while they are less likelyto achieve a higher contrast ratio.

In addition, there are known LCD devices having another mode in which aliquid crystal having negative dielectric anisotropy is alignedvertically to parallel substrates, namely the VA LCD devices. In the VALCD devices, LC molecules are aligned almost vertically to the surfacesof the substrates when no voltage is applied. Here, the liquid crystal(LC) cell hardly shows birefringence and optical rotation, and lightpasses through the LC cell while hardly changing in its polarizationstate. Thus, in the case of the arrangement such that the LC cell isinterposed between two polarizers (linearly polarizers) absorption axesof which are orthogonal to each other (hereinafter, also referred to ascross-Nicol polarizers), it is possible to display an almost perfectlyblack screen when no voltage is applied. When a voltage not lower than athreshold voltage is applied (hereinafter, simply referred to as “thepresence of an applied voltage”), the LC molecules are made to be almostparallel to the substrates, the LC cell shows large birefringence, andthe LCD device displays a white screen. Thus, such a VA LCD deviceeasily achieves a very high contrast ratio.

The VA LCD devices show asymmetric viewing angle characteristics when LCmolecules are all aligned in the same direction in the presence of anapplied voltage. In view of this, for example, MVA (multi-domain VA) LCDdevices, which are one kind of the VA LCD devices, are now being widelyused. According to the MVA LCD devices, the LC molecules in each pixelare aligned in multiple directions by a structurally-modified pixelelectrode or an alignment control member such as a protrusion formed ina pixel.

The MVA LCD devices are so designed that an axial azimuth of a polarizermakes an angle of 45° with respect to an alignment azimuth of LCmolecules in the presence of an applied voltage in order to maximize thetransmittance in white display state. This is because the transmittanceof a light beam passing through a birefringent medium interposed betweenthe cross-Nicole polarizers is proportional to sin² (2α) where α (unit:rad) is an angle made by the axis of the polarizer and a slow axis ofthe birefringent medium. In typical MVA LCD devices, the LC moleculesare aligned separately in four domains, or at azimuths of 45°, 135°,225°, and 315°. Also in the four-domain VA LCD devices, LC molecules areoften aligned in Schlieren pattern or in undesired directions near at adomain boundary or near the alignment control member. This is one factorcausing loss of transmittance.

In view of these circumstances, circularly-polarizing plate-including VALCD devices are provided as disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example.According to the LCD device, the transmittance of a light beam passingthrough a birefringent medium interposed between aright-circularly-polarizing plate and a left-circularly-polarizing plateorthogonal to each other is independent on an angle made by the axis ofthe polarizer and the slow axis of the birefringent medium. Therefore, adesired transmittance can be secured as long as the alignment of the LCmolecules can be controlled, even if the alignment azimuth is not 45°,135°, 225°, and 315°. Accordingly, a conical protrusion may be disposedat the center of a pixel, thereby aligning the LC molecules at everyazimuth, or alternatively the LC molecules may be aligned at randomazimuths without any control of the alignment azimuth, for example. Inthe present description, the VA LCD devices includingcircularly-polarizing plates are referred to as CPVA LCD devices or CPLCD devices. In addition, VA LCD devices including linearly-polarizingplates are referred to as LPVA LCD devices or LP LCD devices. As is wellknown, the circularly-polarizing plate is typically composed of acombination with a linearly-polarizing plate or a quarter-wave plate.

The circularly-polarized light beam switches its handedness when beingreflected on a mirror and the like, and so when it enters a left-handedcircularly-polarizing plate disposed on a mirror, the light beam thathas been converted into a left-handed circularly-polarized light beam bythe polarizing plate is converted into a right-handedcircularly-polarized light beam by being reflected by the mirror. Theright-handed circularly-polarized light beam can not transmit theleft-handed circularly-polarizing plate. Thus, the circularly-polarizingplates are known to have an anti-reflection function. Theanti-reflection function of the circularly-polarizing plates allowsprevention of unnecessary reflection when display devices are viewed inbright environments such as outdoors. Therefore, thecircularly-polarizing plate is known to have an effect of improvingcontrast ratio of display devices such as VA LCD devices in brightenvironments. The “unnecessary reflection” is considered to occur mainlydue to transparent electrodes or metal wirings of TFT elements insidethe display devices. If this unnecessary reflection occurs, even in adisplay device that can display an almost completely black screen indark environments, the contrast ratio is lowered because the lightamount in a black screen is increased under observation in brightenvironments.

As mentioned above, in CPVA LCD devices, the transmittance-improvingeffect and unnecessary reflection-preventing effect can be obtained, butcommon CPVA LCD devices have a low contrast ratio and can not showsufficient viewing angle characteristics as viewed from obliquedirections. In this point, the CPVA LCD devices have room forimprovement. In view of this, technologies involving use of birefringentlayers (retardation films) for improving the viewing anglecharacteristics have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1discloses the following method (A); Patent Document 2 discloses thefollowing method (B); Patent Document 3 discloses the following method(C); and Non-patent Document 1 discloses the following method (D).

(A) Use of two quarter-wave plates satisfying nx>ny>nz(B) Combination use of two quarter-wave plates satisfying nx>nz>ny and abirefringent layer (III) satisfying nx=ny>nz(C) Combination use of one or two half-wave plates satisfying nx>nz>nyin addition to the configuration (B)(D) Combination use of two uniaxial quarter-wave plates (so-called Aplates satisfying nx>ny=nz), a birefringent layer (III) satisfyingnx=ny>nz, and a birefringent layer satisfying nx>nz>ny.

[Patent Document 1]

-   Japanese Kokai Publication No. 2002-40428

[Patent Document 2]

-   Japanese Kokai Publication No. 2003-207782

[Patent Document 3]

-   Japanese Kokai Publication No. 2003-186017

[Non-Patent Document 1]

-   Zhibing Ge and six others, “Wide-View Circular Polarizers for Mobile    Liquid Crystal Displays”, IDRC08, 2008, p. 266-268

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

As a result of the inventor's studies, it was found that the methods (A)and (B) still have room for improvement in viewing anglecharacteristics. In addition, the methods (B), (C), and (D) involve useof biaxial retardation films satisfying nx>nz>ny (0<Nz<1), which areexpensive and hard to produce. In this point, there is still room forimprovement in the methods (B) to (D).

The present inventor made various investigations for solving theabove-mentioned problems. The present inventor noted retardationconditions of birefringent layers disposed between a pair of polarizers(first and second polarizers) disposed in cross-Nicol. Then, theinventor found that the orthogonality between the first and secondpolarizers in oblique directions can be maintained while theorthogonality therebetween in the front direction is maintained when abirefringent layer (I) satisfying nx>ny≧nz (satisfying Nz≧1.0) and abirefringent layer (II) satisfying nx<ny≦nz (satisfying Nz≦0.0) areproperly disposed between the first and second polarizers. Then, theinventor proposes the following method (E). Further, the inventor alsofound that unlike the biaxial retardation film satisfying nx>nz>ny(0<Nz<1), materials with appropriate intrinsic birefringence are used toproduce the birefringent layers (I) and (II) easily. This was disclosedin Japanese Patent Application No. 2008-099526.

(E) Combination use of two quarter-wave plates, a birefringent layer(III) satisfying nx=ny>nz, a birefringent layer (I) satisfying nx>ny≧nz,and a birefringent layer (II) satisfying nx<ny≦nz.

However, as a result of the inventor's studies, it was found that themethod (E) method is still insufficient in cost effectiveness becauseuse of five or more birefringent layers (retardation films) ispreferable. Further, in the method (E), the viewing anglecharacteristics are improved by setting Nz coefficients (parametershowing biaxiality) of the two quarter-wave plates to optimum values.However, it was found that the viewing angle characteristics still haveroom for improvement when two generalized biaxial quarter-wave platessatisfying nx>ny≧nz (Nz≧1.0) are used.

The present invention is devised considering the aforementionedsituations. An object of the present invention is to provide an LCDdevice that has a higher contrast ratio in a wide viewing angle and thatcan be easily produced at low cost.

The present inventor made various investigations on LCD devices thathave a high contrast ratio in a wide viewing angle range and that can beeasily produced at low cost, and noted retardation conditions ofbirefringent layers disposed between a pair of polarizers (first andsecond polarizers) disposed in cross-Nicol. Then, the inventors foundthat light leakage in a black state is decreased and a high contrastratio can be provided in a wide viewing angle range when generalizedbiaxial quarter-wave plates satisfying nx>ny≧nz (herein, “birefringentlayer satisfying nx>ny≧nz” is defined as a birefringent layer (I)) areused as two quarter-wave plates (first and second quarter-wave plates)and Nz coefficients thereof are adjusted to be almost the same, andfurther a birefringent layer satisfying nx<ny≦nz (herein, “birefringentlayer satisfying nx<ny≦nz is defined as a birefringent layer (II)) isdisposed between the second quarter-wave plate and the second polarizer.Further, the inventor also found that unlike the biaxial retardationfilm satisfying nx>nz ny (0<Nz<1), materials with appropriate intrinsicbirefringence are used to produce the birefringent layers (I) and (II)easily. Thus, the present inventors have found the solution of theaforementioned problems and arrived at the present invention.

The present invention is a liquid crystal display device, including inthe following order:

a first polarizer;

a first birefringent layer (I);

a liquid crystal cell including a liquid crystal layer interposedbetween a pair of substrates facing each other,

a second birefringent layer (I);

a birefringent layer (II); and

a second polarizer,

the first and second birefringent layers (I) each satisfying nx>ny≧nz,having an in-plane retardation of λ/4, and having substantially the sameNz coefficient,

the birefringent layer (II) satisfying nx<ny≦nz,

wherein

the first birefringent layer (I) has an in-plane slow axis forming anangle of about 45° with an absorption axis of the first polarizer;

the second birefringent layer (I) has an in-plane slow axissubstantially orthogonal to the in-plane slow axis of the firstbirefringent layer (I);

the second polarizer has an absorption axis substantially orthogonal tothe absorption axis of the first polarizer;

the birefringent layer (II) has an in-plane fast axis substantiallyorthogonal to the absorption axis of the second polarizer; and

the LC cell displays a black screen by aligning liquid crystal moleculesin the liquid crystal layer substantially vertically to the substratesurface.

The term “polarizer” herein represents an element which converts naturallight into linearly polarized light and is synonymous with polarizingplate or polarizing film. The term “birefringent layer” hereinrepresents a layer having optical anisotropy, and is synonymous withretardation film, retardation plate, optically anisotropic layer,birefringent medium, and the like. The term “birefringent layer” hereinrepresents a layer one of magnitude of the below-mentioned in-planeretardation R and magnitude of the below-mentioned thickness-directionretardation Rth of which is 10 nm or larger, preferably 20 nm or larger.The term “birefringent layer (I)” herein represents one satisfyingnx>ny≧nz. The term “birefringent layer (II)” herein represents onesatisfying nx<ny≦nz. The “nx” and “ny” each represent the principalrefractive index of a birefringent layer (including an LC cell or aquarter-wave plate) in the in-plane direction for a light beam at 550nm. The “nz” represents the principal refractive index thereof in theout-of-plane direction for a light beam at 550 nm.

The term “in-plane retardation R” herein represents an in-planeretardation (unit: nm) defined by R=|nx−ny|×d, where the principalrefractive indices of a birefringent layer (including an LC cell or aquarter-wave plate) in the in-plane direction is nx and ny; and theprincipal refractive index thereof in the out-of-plane direction (in thethickness direction) is nz, and the thickness of the birefringent layeris defined as d. The term “thickness-direction retardation Rth” hereinrepresents an out-of-plane (thickness-direction) retardation (unit: nm)defined by Rth=(nz−(nx+ny)/2)×d. The term “quarter-wave plate” hereinrepresents an optically-anisotropic layer giving a retardation of about¼ wavelength (exactly 137.5 nm, but larger than 115 nm and smaller than160 nm) at least to a light beam at 550 nm, and is synonymous with λ/4retardation film or λ/4 retardation plate.

The term “in-plane slow axis (fast axis)” herein represents a direction(x-axis or y-axis direction) of dielectric axis corresponding to aprincipal refractive index ns (nf), where a larger one of the in-planeprincipal refractive indices nx and ny is redefined as ns and a smallerone as nf. The term “Nz coefficient” represents a parameter showing adegree of biaxiality of a birefringent layer, defined byNz=(ns−nz)/(ns−nf). The wavelength for the measurements of the principalrefractive index, the retardation, and the like optical characteristicsherein is 550 nm unless otherwise mentioned. Even in the case ofbirefringent layers each having the same Nz coefficient, difference inthe average refractive indices (nx+ny+nz)/3 of the birefringent layerscauses difference in effective retardations of the birefringent layersto incident light from oblique directions due to refractive angles.Thus, the design principle becomes complicated. In order to avoid thisproblem, the average refractive index of each birefringent layer isherein standardized to 1.5 for Nz coefficient calculation, unlessotherwise mentioned. For the birefringent layer having an actual averagerefractive index of not 1.5, the value is converted assuming that theaverage refractive index is 1.5. The below-mentioned thickness-directionretardation Rth is also standardized in the same manner.

In this description, when the first birefringent layer (I) and thesecond birefringent layer (I) have substantially the same Nzcoefficient, a difference in the Nz coefficient is smaller than 1.0,preferably smaller than 0.05. Further, when the first birefringent layer(I) has an in-plane slow axis forming an angle of about 45° with anabsorption axis of the first polarizer, the angle is 40° to 50°,particularly preferably 45°. Even if a relative angle formed by thein-plane slow axis of the first birefringent layer (I) and theabsorption axis of the first polarizer is not just 45°, the effect ofpreventing light leakage in the normal direction of the substrate facecan be sufficiently obtained because the in-plane slow axis of the firstbirefringent layer (I) is orthogonal to that of the second birefringentlayer (I). Further, marked effects in anti-reflection or intransmittance improvement can be obtained when the above-mentionedrelative angle is 45°. When the second birefringent layer (I) has anin-plane slow axis substantially orthogonal to the in-plane slow axis ofthe first birefringent layer (I), the angle made by the two in-planeslow axes is 88° to 92°, particularly preferably 90°. When the secondpolarizer has an absorption axis substantially orthogonal to theabsorption axis of the first polarizer, the angle made by the twoabsorption axes is 88° to 92°, particularly preferably 90°. When thebirefringent layer (II) has an in-plane fast axis substantiallyorthogonal to the absorption axis of the second polarizer, the anglemade by the two axes is 88° to 92°, particularly preferably 90°.

The LCD device of the present invention may or may not other componentsas long as it essentially includes the first polarizer, the firstbirefringent layer (I), the LC cell, the second birefringent layer (I),the birefringent layer (II), and the second polarizer. In order tosurely the below-mentioned conversion of the polarization state of alight beam used for display according to the present invention,preferable embodiments include one in which the LCD device does notinclude a birefringent layer between the first and second polarizers,other than the first polarizer, the first birefringent layer (I), the LCcell, the first birefringent layer (II), the birefringent layer (II),and the second polarizer. In order to lower production costs by reducingthe number of the birefringent layers to be used in the LCD device,preferable embodiments include one in which the LCD device does notinclude a birefringent medium between the first and second polarizers,other than the first polarizer, the first birefringent layer (I), the LCcell, the second birefringent layer (I), the birefringent layer (II),and the second polarizer. However, the LCD device may include abirefringent medium other than the first polarizer, the firstbirefringent layer (I), the LC cell, the second birefringent layer (I),the birefringent layer (II), and the second polarizer. For example, theLCD device may include a half-wave plate having an in-plane retardationof λ/2 for adjustment of wavelength dispersion of the birefringent layerand the like.

In addition, the inventor found that the factor of preventing a completeblack screen varies depending on the azimuth, and also found thatretardation compensation for multiple azimuths can be achieved bydisposing a birefringent layer satisfying nx=ny>nz (herein, the“birefringent layer satisfying nx=ny>nz” is defined as a birefringentlayer (III)) between the first and second quarter-wave plates. In theembodiment where the LCD device includes the birefringent layer (III),firstly a retardation of the birefringent layer (III) is adjusted,thereby optimizing conditions for retardation compensation at an azimuthof 0°, and secondly, the second birefringent layer is disposed to show aproper retardation, thereby optimizing conditions for retardationcompensation at an azimuth of 45° without changing the optimumconditions for retardation compensation at an azimuth of 0°. As aresult, light leakage in a black state in the oblique viewing directioncan be prevented in a wider azimuth, whereby the LCD device can show ahigher contrast ratio in viewing angle directions with large azimuth andpolar angle. Further, unlike the biaxial retardation film satisfyingnx>nz>ny (0<Nz<1), materials with appropriate intrinsic birefringenceare used to produce the birefringent layer (III) easily. The term“azimuth” herein means a direction in the plane parallel to thesubstrate surface of the LC cell and is represented by 0° to 360°. Theterm “polar angle” herein means a tilt angle with respect to the normaldirection of the substrate surface of the LC cell.

The LCD device of the present invention may have an embodiment where thedevice further includes at least one birefringent layer (III) satisfyingnx≈ny≧nz between the first birefringent layer (I) and the liquid crystalcell and/or between the liquid crystal cell and the second birefringentlayer (I). The birefringent layer (III) can be particularly preferablyemployed when the Nz coefficients of the first and second birefringentlayers (I) are each less than 2.00. The birefringent layer (III) ispreferably disposed adjacent to the LC cell. The phrase “disposedadjacent to” herein means that no birefringent medium is disposedbetween the LC cell and the birefringent layer (III). In one embodiment,for example, an isotropic film may be disposed between the birefringentlayer (III) and the LC cell. If a plurality of the birefringent layers(III) is disposed, at least one of the birefringent layers (III) isdisposed adjacent to the LC cell, and the respective birefringent layers(III) are disposed adjacent to one another.

The nx≈ny in the birefringent layer (III) is, in other words, |nx−ny|≈0,and specifically represents the case where an in-plane retardationR=|nx−ny|×d is smaller than 20 nm, preferably smaller than 10 nm. Thebirefringent layer (III) may have a multi-layer or single-layerstructure. Regardless of the number of layers constituting thebirefringent layer (III), the characteristics of the transmissive lightintensity of the LCD device are completely the same in principle as longas the birefringent layer (III) is disposed on the inside (the LC cellside) of the first and second quarter-wave plates and the totalthickness-direction retardation of the birefringent layer (III) isfixed. There are no any problems in principle that the LCD device isassumed to include a birefringent layer (III) having athickness-direction retardation of zero even when it actually includesno birefringent layer (III). Accordingly, in this description, thepresent invention is simply mentioned with reference to only LCD deviceincluding one birefringent layer (III) between the second quarter-waveplate and the LC cell unless otherwise specified.

Typically, a PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) film with a dichroic anisotropicmaterial such as an iodine complex adsorbed and aligned thereon may beemployed as the polarizer. Usually, a protective film such as atriacetyl cellulose (TAC) film is laminated on the respective sides ofthe PVA film to secure mechanical strength, moisture resistance, heatresistance, and the like, and the resulting laminated film ispractically used. Unless otherwise specified, the term “polarizer”herein means the element with the polarization function alone, notincluding the protective films. The first and second polarizers are sodesigned that one constitutes a polarizer (a back-side polarizer) andthe other constitutes an analyzer (a viewing-side polarizer), andregardless of which of the polarizer and the analyzer the first orsecond polarizer constitutes, the characteristics of the transmissivelight intensity of the LCD device is not changed at all in principle.Unless otherwise specified, the present invention is simply mentionedwith reference to only an LCD device including the fist polarizer as apolarizer.

The LC cell includes a pair of substrates and an LC layer therebetween.The LC cell of the present invention is in a VA (vertical alignment)mode where a black screen is displayed by aligning LC molecules in theLC cell substantially vertically to the substrate plane. The VA modeincludes MVA (multi-domain VA) mode, CPA (continuous pinwheel alignment)mode, PVA (patterned VA) mode, BVA (biased vertical alignment), andReverse TN mode, IPS-VA (in-plane switching-VA) mode, and the like. Whenthe LC molecules are aligned substantially vertically to the substrateplane, the average pretilt angle of the LC molecules is 80° or larger.

The LCD device of the present invention includes, between the first andsecond polarizers, the first birefringent layer (I) having an in-planeretardation of λ/4 (first quarter-wave plate) and the secondbirefringent layer (I) having an in-plane retardation of λ/4 (secondquarter-wave plate), and the birefringent layer (II). In the presentinvention, as mentioned above, the LCD device may further include thebirefringent layer (III) between the first and second polarizers. Forexample, a combination of the second quarter-wave plate and the secondbirefringent layer, a combination of the second quarter-wave plate andthe birefringent layer (III), and a combination of the firstquarter-wave plate and the birefringent layer (III) are each preferablya multi-layer body composed of these layers without a cohesive agenttherebetween. Such a multi-layer body can be prepared by attaching filmsprepared by coextrusion and the like with an adhesive agent or byforming one birefringent layer constituting the multi-layer body from apolymer film, and thereon coating or transferring the other birefringentlayer including a liquid crystalline material or a non-liquidcrystalline material. The latter method involving coating ortransferring is preferably employed when the birefringent layer (III),which is often formed by coating a non-crystalline material such aspolyimide or a liquid crystalline material such as a cholesteric liquidcrystal, is stacked on the second quarter-wave plate or the firstquarter-wave plate.

A light beam that has entered the first polarizer from the frontdirection is converted into a linearly-polarized light beam by the firstpolarizer and then passes through the first quarter-wave plate, therebybeing converted into a circularly-polarized light beam and passesthrough the LC cell and the birefringent layer (III), maintaining itspolarization state. Then, when passing through the second quarter-waveplate orthogonal to the first quarter-wave plate, thecircularly-polarized light beam is converted again into alinearly-polarized light beam similarly to that just after passingthrough the first polarizer and passes through the birefringent layer(II), maintaining its polarization state, and finally, thelinearly-polarized light beam is blocked by the second polarizerorthogonal to the first polarizer. Thus, the birefringent layers (II)and (III) are not meant to give a retardation to an incident light beamfrom the front direction.

The above description relates to the case where the black screen isdisplayed by tracing the change of the polarization state at the outputof the respective layers, and it can be intuitively understood asfollows. Specifically, the LCD device of the present invention includingthe cross-Nicol polarizers can display a completely black screen in thefront direction because of the following optical compensations (1) to(4): (1) the first and second quarter-wave plates are disposed to beorthogonal to each other between the first and second polarizers, andthe retardations thereof are the same (λ/4) and so the retardation canbe canceled. Thus, the first and second quarter-wave plates aredisabled; (2) the birefringent layer (II) disposed between the first andsecond polarizers has a fast axis orthogonal to the absorption axis ofthe second polarizer. Thus, the birefringent layer (II) is substantiallydisabled; (3) the birefringent layer (III) and the LC cell disposedbetween the first and second polarizers each have a retardation of zeroin the front direction, and so they are substantially disabled; and (4)the first and second polarizers are disposed to be orthogonal to eachother, so-called cross-Nicole polarizers.

The LCD device of the present invention can not display a completelyblack screen in the oblique direction because a light beam incident froman oblique direction to the first polarizer is not blocked by the secondpolarizer because of the following three reasons assuming that noconversion of the polarization state attributed to the birefringentlayers (II) and (III) is given. Specifically, the birefringent layers(II) and (III) are meant to give a conversion of the polarization stateonly to a light beam incident from the oblique direction, therebycompensating the viewing angle characteristics.

As mentioned above, the birefringent layers (II) and (III) of thepresent invention can display an excellent black screen also in theoblique direction while maintaining an excellent black state in thefront direction. Therefore, the LCD device can show a higher contrastratio in the oblique direction to provide excellent viewing anglecharacteristics.

Below mentioned are the three reasons why the viewing angle compensationis provided by converting the polymerization state of a light beamincident from an oblique direction by the birefringent layers (II) and(III). This is mentioned with reference to a CPVA LCD device 100including, as shown in FIG. 1, a first polarizer 110 (absorption axisazimuth of 90°), a first quarter-wave plate 120 (slow axis azimuth of135°), a VA LC cell 130, a second quarter-wave plate 140 (slow axisazimuth of 45°), a second polarizer 150 (absorption axis azimuth of 0°),and not including the birefringent layers (II) and (III). In FIG. 1, thearrow shown in each of the first and second polarizers 110 and 150represents an azimuth of the absorption axis thereof, and the arrowshown in each of the first and second quarter-wave plates 120 and 140represents an azimuth of the slow axis thereof. The ellipsoidal bodyillustrated in the VA LC cell 130 shows the shape of the refractiveindex ellipsoidal body of the cell 130.

First, with respect to a black screen in the front direction, a lightbeam that has entered the first polarizer 110 from the front directionis converted into a linearly-polarized light beam by the first polarizer110 and then further converted into a circularly-polarized light by thefirst quarter-wave plate 120, and then passes through the LC cell 130,maintaining its polarization state. Then when passing through the secondquarter-wave plate 140 orthogonal to the first quarter-wave plate 120,the circularly-polarized light beam is reconverted into the samelinearly-polarized light beam as just at the output of the firstpolarizer 110, and finally, the linearly-polarized light beam is blockedby the second polarizer 150. Thus, an excellent black screen isdisplayed. In other words, the LCD device 100 can display a completelyblack screen in the front direction because (1) the first and secondquarter-wave plates 120 and 140 are disposed to be orthogonal to eachother between the first and second polarizers 110 and 150, and theretardations thereof are the same (λ/4) and so the retardation can becanceled. Thus, the first and second quarter-wave plates are disabled;(2) the LC cell 130 disposed between the first and second polarizers 110and 150 has a retardation of zero in the front direction, and so it issubstantially disabled; and (3) the first and second polarizers 110 and150 are disposed to be orthogonal to each other, so-called cross-Nicolepolarizers.

Then, with respect to a black screen in an oblique direction, acompletely perfect black screen can not be displayed because of thefollowing factors (1) to (3) contributing to reduction in viewing angle:

(1) the first and second quarter-wave plate 120 and 140 are notorthogonal to each other or have different retardations. Thus the firstand second quarter-wave plate 120 and 140 are enabled;(2) the LC cell 130 does not has a retardation of zero and so is notdisabled; and(3) the first and second polarizers 110 and 150 are not disposed to beorthogonal to each other, and so the cross-Nicole polarizers are notpresent.

The factors (1) to (3) are mentioned in more detail below with referenceto FIG. 2. Although in the front direction (the normal direction to thesubstrate surface), the slow axis 121 of the first quarter-wave plate120 and the slow axis 141 of the second quarter-wave plate 140 areorthogonal to each other as schematically shown in FIG. 2( a), they arenot orthogonal to each other in an oblique direction with an azimuth of0°. Thus the retardation is not canceled and so the first and secondquarter-wave plates 120 and 140 are not disabled. Further, in the frontdirection, the slow axis 121 of the first quarter-wave plate 120 and theslow axis 141 of the second quarter-wave plate 140 are orthogonal toeach other as schematically shown in FIG. 2( b), and meanwhile, in anoblique direction with an azimuth of 45°, they are orthogonal to eachother but the retardations of the first and second quarter-wave plates120 and 140 are not the same. Thus, the retardation is not cancelled.This is because the retardation is determined by birefringence(refractive index difference)×thickness and effective birefringence isdifferent between in the front direction and in the oblique directionand further varies depending on the azimuth. From the same reason, theretardation of the VA LC cell 130 is zero in the front direction, butnot zero in any oblique direction. Only in the front direction, both ofthe effective birefringence and the retardation are zero. Asschematically shown in FIG. 2( c), although in the front direction, theabsorption axis 111 of the first polarizer 110 and the absorption axis151 of the second polarizer 150 are orthogonal to each other, they arenot orthogonal to each other in an oblique direction with an azimuth of45°.

As mentioned above, the CPVA LCD device 100 having the simplestconfiguration can not display a perfect black screen in the obliquedirections because of the three factors (1) to (3). Conversely,elimination of these factors, i.e., providing optical compensationallows display of a black screen in the oblique directions. Theaforementioned technologies (A) to (E) for viewing angle improvementactually involve the optical compensation for the factors. In addition,the factors (1) and (2) are usually observed together. Accordingly, theoptical compensations for the respective factors (1) and (2) may beperformed not separately but together.

The CPVA LCD device is so designed to provide optical compensations forthe factors (1) to (3) simultaneously based on the following designprinciple. Specifically, the device is so designed that a generalizedbiaxial quarter-wave plate (the birefringent layer (I)) satisfyingnx>ny≧nz is used as the first and second quarter-wave plates and the Nzcoefficients thereof are adjusted to be almost the same, and abirefringent layer (the birefringent layer (II)) satisfying nx<ny≦nz isdisposed between the second quarter-wave plate and the second polarizer,and further, if necessary, a birefringent layer (the birefringent layer(III)) satisfying nx=ny>nz is disposed between the first and secondquarter-wave plates.

The following will mention the design principle of the birefringentlayers of the present invention. The present inventor made variousinvestigations on simple and effective optical compensations for theabove-mentioned factors, and noted on a difference in needs for opticalcompensation depending on the azimuth. Then, the inventor found that asshown in the following Table 1, the optical compensation of thepolarizers for the factor (3) is unnecessary, and that only the opticalcompensation of the quarter-wave plates for the factor (1) and that ofthe LC cell for the factor (2) suffice for the optical compensation;

TABLE 1 Need of optical compensation (1) Quarter- Azimuth wave plate (2)LC cell (3) Polarizer  0° need need not need 45° need need need

As a result, the inventor found that the factors (1) and (2) in theoblique view direction with an azimuth of 0° are simultaneously andeffectively eliminated by optimizing Nz coefficients Nzq of the firstand second quarter-wave plates and a thickness-direction retardation Rlcof the LC cell based on polarization state representation on thePoincare sphere and computer simulations, and further if necessary, bydisposing the birefringent layer (III) satisfying nx=ny>nz between thefirst and second quarter-wave plates and optimizing thethickness-direction retardation R3 thereof. In this description, the 1ststep means this process where the Nz coefficients Nzq of the first andsecond quarter-wave plates, the thickness-direction retardation Rlc ofthe LC cell, the thickness-direction retardation R3 of the birefringentlayer (III) are optimized for optical compensation at an azimuth of 0°.

The inventor also found that the factors (1), (2), and (3) aresimultaneously and effectively eliminated in an oblique direction withan azimuth of 45° by, after the 1st step, disposing the birefringentlayer (II) satisfying nx<ny≦nz between the second quarter-wave plate andthe second polarizer to have an in-plane fast axis substantiallyorthogonal to the absorption axis of the second polarizer, andoptimizing an Nz coefficient Nz2 and an in-plane retardation R2 of thebirefringent layer (II). In this description, the 2nd step means thisprocess following the 1st step, where the Nz coefficient Nz2 and thein-plane retardation R2 of the birefringent layer (II) are optimized foroptical compensation at an azimuth 45°.

The in-plane fast axis of the birefringent layer (II), which isadditionally disposed in the 2nd step, is substantially orthogonal tothe absorption axis of the adjacent second polarizer, and so the opticalcharacteristics at the absorption axis azimuth of the second polarizer,i.e., in a direction with an azimuth of 0° are not changed at all. Thus,the optical compensation of the present invention is characterized inthat the optimum state achieved in the 1st step can be maintained alsoafter the 2nd step. This optical compensation way where the 1st and 2ndsteps are completely independent from each other simplifies the designof the birefringent layers.

The following will mention the details of the optical compensationprinciple in each of the 1st and 2nd steps with reference to thePoincare sphere. The Poincare sphere is widely known in crystal opticsas a useful approach for tracing of state of polarization of lightpropagating through a birefringent layer (for example, see “KessyoKogaku”, written by Takasaki Hiroshi, published by Morikita PublishingCo., Ltd., 1975, p. 146 to 163).

On the Poincare sphere, right-handed polarized state is represented onthe upper hemisphere; left-handed polarized state on the lowerhemisphere, linear polarized state on the equator; right- andleft-handed circular polarized states are on upper and lower poles,respectively. Between two polarization states symmetrical with respectto the coordinate origin of the sphere, the ellipticity angles are thesame in magnitude but opposite in polarity. This shows that the twopolarization states are in the orthogonal polarization state.

The effects attributed to the birefringent layer are shown on thePoincare sphere as follows. The point showing state of polarization of alight beam before propagating through a birefringent layer is rotated ina counterclockwise direction by an angle determined by(2π)×(retardation)/(wavelength) (unit: rad) around the slow axis(specifically, the point showing slower one of the two eigenmodes ofvibration of a birefringent layer) (this is the same when the point isrotated in a clockwise direction around the fast axis).

The rotation center and the rotation angle in an oblique view directionare determined by the slow axis (or the fast axis) and the retardationat the viewing angle. Although not being explained in detail, these canbe calculated, for example, by determining a vibrating direction in theeigenmode of vibration and a wave vector in the birefringent layer fromFresnel equation for the normal incidence. The slow axis in oblique viewdirections depends on a viewing angle, an Nz coefficient, and anin-plane retardation R (or a thickness-direction retardation Rth).

(Compensation Principle in the 1st Step)

First, the polarization state when the CPVA LCD device 100 in FIG. 1 isviewed from the front direction is mentioned. FIG. 3 is a view showingchanges in the polarization state of a light beam emitted from abacklight (not shown in FIG. 1, but located below the first polarizer)under this condition, represented on S1-S2 plane of the Poincare sphere.The points in FIG. 3 show the respective polarization states at theoutput of the respective polarizers 110 and 150, the respectivebirefringent layers 120 and 140, and the LC cell 130. The points showingthe respective polarization states are actually on the Poincare spherebut projected on S1-S2 plane. The point showing the polarization stateis shown by “◯” and the point showing the slow (fast) axis of thebirefringent layer is shown by “x”.

The polarization state of the light beam just at the output of the firstpolarizer 110 is represented by P0 on the Poincare sphere, and P0corresponds to E showing a polarization state the second polarizer 150can absorb, i.e., extinction position (absorption axis azimuth) of thesecond polarizer 150. Then, when the light beam passes through the firstquarter-wave plate 120, P0 is moved to P1 by rotation by a specificangle around the slow axis of the first quarter-wave plate 120represented by Q1 on the Poincare sphere. The rotation is in acounterclockwise direction when the coordinate origin O is viewed fromQ1.

Successively, the light beam passes through the VA LC cell 130 but doesnot change in its polarization state because the cell 130 has aretardation of zero in the front direction. Finally, the light beampasses through the second quarter-wave plate 140, and P1 is moved to P2by rotation by a specific angle around the slow axis of the secondquarter-wave plate 140 represented by Q2. This P2 corresponds toextinction position E of the second polarizer 150. Thus, the LCD device100 of FIG. 1 can block the light beam from the backlight to display anexcellent black screen when viewed from the front direction.

The following will mention the polarization state when the CPVA LCDdevice 100 of FIG. 1 is viewed from a direction with the absorption axisazimuth 0° of the second polarizer 150 and the direction inclined by anangle of 60° inclined from the normal direction (hereinafter, alsoreferred to as a polar angle of 60°). FIG. 4 is a view showing changesin the polarization state of a light beam emitted from a backlight underthis condition, represented on S1-S2 plane of the Poincare sphere. Thepoints in FIG. 4 show the respective polarization states at the outputof the respective polarizers 110 and 150, the respective birefringentlayers 120 and 140, and the LC cell 130.

The polarization state of the light beam just at the output of the firstpolarizer 110 is represented by P0 on the Poincare sphere and P0corresponds to E showing a polarization state the second polarizer 150can absorb, i.e., extinction position (absorption axis azimuth) of thesecond polarizer 150. Then, when the light beam passes through the firstquarter-wave plate 120, P0 is moved to P1 by rotation by a specificangle around the slow axis of the first quarter-wave plate 120represented by Q1 on the Poincare sphere. The rotation is in acounterclockwise direction when the coordinate origin O is viewed fromQ1.

Successively, the light beam passes through the VA LC cell 130, and P1reaches P2 by rotation by a specific angle around the slow axis of theLC cell 130 represented by L on the Poincare sphere. The rotation is inthe counterclockwise direction when the coordinate origin O is viewedfrom L. Finally, the light beam passes through the second quarter-waveplate 140, and P2 is moved to P3 by rotation by a specific angle aroundthe slow axis of the second quarter-wave plate 140 represented by Q2.This P3 does not correspond to extinction position E of the secondpolarizer 150. Thus, the LCD device 100 of FIG. 1 can not block thelight beam from the backlight when viewed from the direction with anazimuth of 0° and a polar angle of 60°.

The positions of P1 to P3 in FIGS. 3 and 4 depend on the Nz coefficientsNzq of the first and second quarter-wave plates 120 and 140 and thethickness-direction retardation Rlc of the LC cell 130. FIGS. 3 and 4show, as an example, the embodiment where Nzq=1.6 and Rlc=320 nm aresatisfied. For simply showing the conversion of the polarization state,the positions of the respective points are roughly shown and might notbe accurate. For ease illustration, the arrows showing tracing from P1to P3 are not shown. The retardation Rlc of the VA LC cell 130 istypically about 320 nm, and usually adjusted to a value ranging from 270nm to 400 nm. For example, the retardation Rlc is required to be largerthan 320 nm in order to increase the transmittance. The Nz coefficientNzq of each of the first and second quarter-wave plates is usuallyadjusted to a value ranging from 1.0 to 2.9. For example, in the casewhere a VA LC cell having a retardation Rlc of about 400 nm and thebirefringent layer (III) is not disposed, quarter-wave plates satisfyingNzq=2.9 are preferably used.

The following will mention a CPVA LCD device 200 including thebirefringent layer (III) as shown in FIG. 5, and having a multi-layerstructure composed of a first polarizer 210 (absorption axis azimuthangle of 90°), a first quarter-wave plate 220 (slow axis azimuth angleof 135°), a VA LC cell 230, a birefringent layer (III) 235, a secondquarter-wave plate 240 (slow axis azimuth angle of 45°), and a secondpolarizer 250 (absorption axis azimuth angle of 0°). In FIG. 5, thearrow shown in each of the first and second polarizers 210 and 250represents an azimuth of the absorption axis thereof, and the arrowshown in each of the first and second quarter-wave plates 220 and 240represents an azimuth of the slow axis thereof. The ellipsoidal bodiesin the VA LC cell 230 and the birefringent layer (III) 235 show theshape of the respective refractive index ellipsoidal bodies thereof.

First, the polarization state when the CPVA LCD device 200 in FIG. 5 isviewed from the front direction. FIG. 6 is a view showing changes in thepolarization state of a light beam emitted from a backlight (not shownin FIG. 5, but located below the first polarizer 210) under thiscondition, represented on S1-S2 plane of the Poincare sphere. The pointsin FIG. 6 show the respective polarization states at the output of therespective polarizers 210 and 250, the respective birefringent layers220 and 240, and the LC cell 230.

The polarization state of the light beam just at the output of the firstpolarizer 210 is represented by P0 on the Poincare sphere, and P0corresponds to E showing a polarization state the second polarizer 250can absorb, i.e., extinction position (absorption axis azimuth) of thesecond polarizer 250. Then, when the light beam passes through the firstquarter-wave plate 220, P0 is moved to P1 by rotation by a specificangle around the slow axis of the first quarter-wave plate 220represented by Q1 on the Poincare sphere. The rotation is in acounterclockwise direction when the coordinate origin O is viewed fromQ1.

Successively, the light beam passes through the VA LC cell 230 and thebirefringent layer (III) 235 but does not change in its polarizationstate because the cell 230 and the birefringent layer (III) 235 eachhave a retardation of zero in the front direction. Finally, the lightbeam passes through the second quarter-wave plate 240, and P1 is movedto P2 by rotation by a specific angle around the slow axis of the secondquarter-wave plate 240 represented by Q2. This P2 corresponds toextinction position E of the second polarizer 250. Thus, the LCD device200 of FIG. 5 can block the light beam from the backlight to display anexcellent black screen when viewed from the front direction, as in theLCD device 100 in FIG. 1.

The following will mention the polarization state when the CPVA LCDdevice 200 of FIG. 5 is viewed from a direction with the absorption axisazimuth 0° of the second polarizer 210 and with a polar angle of 60°from the normal direction. FIG. 7 is a view showing changes in thepolarization state of a light beam emitted from a backlight under thiscondition, represented on S1-S2 plane of the Poincare sphere. The pointsin FIG. 7 show the respective polarization states at the output of therespective polarizers 210 and 250, the respective birefringent layers220 and 240, and the LC cell 230.

The polarization state of the light beam just at the output of the firstpolarizer 210 is represented by P0 on the Poincare sphere and P0corresponds to extinction position (absorption axis azimuth) of thesecond polarizer 250. Then, when the light beam passes through the firstquarter-wave plate 220, P0 reaches P1 by rotation by a specific anglearound the slow axis of the first quarter-wave plate 220 represented byQ1 on the Poincare sphere. The rotation is in a counterclockwisedirection when the coordinate origin O is viewed from Q1.

Successively, the light beam passes through the VA LC cell 230, and P1reaches P2 by rotation by a specific angle around the slow axis of theLC cell 230 represented by L on the Poincare sphere. The rotation is ina counterclockwise direction when the coordinate origin O is viewed fromL. Then, the light beam passes through the birefringent layer (III) 235,and P1 reaches P3 by rotation by a specific angle around the slow axisof the birefringent layer (III) 235, represented by R3 on the Poincaresphere. The rotation is in the counterclockwise direction when thecoordinate origin O is viewed from R3. Finally, the light beam passesthrough the second quarter-wave plate 240, and P3 is moved to P4 byrotation by a specific angle around the slow axis of the secondquarter-wave plate 240 represented by Q2. This P4 corresponds toextinction position E of the second polarizer 250. Thus, the LCD device200 of FIG. 5 can not block the light beam from the backlight whenviewed from the direction with an azimuth angle of 0° and a polar angleof 60°, as in viewing from the front direction.

The positions of P1 to P4 in FIGS. 6 and 7 depend on the Nz coefficientsNzq of the first and second quarter-wave plates 220 and 240 and thethickness-direction retardation Rlc of the LC cell 230. FIGS. 6 and 7show, as an example, the embodiment where Nzq=1.6, Rlc=320 nm, andR3=−129 nm are satisfied. For simply showing the conversion of thepolarization state, the positions of the respective points are roughlyshown and might not be accurate. For ease of illustration, the arrowsshowing tracing from P1 to P4 are not shown.

As a result of the studies, the inventor found that the optimumretardation value R3 of the birefringent layer 235 (III) variesaccording to the Nz coefficients Nzq of each of the first and secondquarter-wave plates 220 and 240. FIGS. 8 and 9 are views each showingchanges in the polarization state when the circular polarization VA LCDdevice 200 in FIG. 5 is viewed from a direction with the absorption axisazimuth 0° of the second polarizer 250 and a polar angle of 60°,represented on S1-S2 plane of the Poincare sphere. FIG. 8 shows theembodiment where Nzq=2.0, Rlc=320 nm, and R3=−61 nm are satisfied. FIG.9 shows the embodiment where Nzq=2.35, Rlc=320 nm, and R3=0 nm aresatisfied.

As shown in FIGS. 7, 8, and 9, the larger the Nz coefficient Nzq of eachof the first and second quarter-wave plates 220 and 240 becomes the moresymmetrical with respect to S1 axis P1 showing the polarization statejust at the output of the first quarter-wave plate 220 and P2 showingthe polarization state just at the output of the VA LC cell 230 become.As a result, the P2-P3 conversion magnitude required for P4 and E tocorrespond to each other, specifically, the magnitude of the requiredretardation R3 of the birefringent layer (III) 235 becomes smaller. Asmentioned above, the retardation Rlc of the VA LC cell 230 is adjustedto a value ranging from 270 nm to 400 nm, and so if the Nz coefficientNzq of each of the first and second quarter-wave plates 220 and 240 islarger than 2.00, the required retardation R3 of the birefringent layer(III) 235 is substantially zero. That is, no birefringent layer (III)235 is needed. When the retardation Rlc is 320 nm, which is aretardation value in a typical VA LC cell, and when Nzq=2.35 issatisfied, the required retardation R3 of the birefringent layer (III)is substantially zero.

Table 2 and FIG. 10 show a relationship between the Nz coefficients Nzqof each of the first and second quarter-wave plates 220 and 240 and theoptimum thickness-direction retardation R3 of the birefringent layer(III) 235, based on the results determined by computer simulations. Inthe Poincare sphere diagram in FIGS. 7 to 9, the polarization conversionfrom P1 to P3 is illustrated separately into P1 to P2 conversionattributed to the thickness-direction retardation Rlc of the VA LC cell230 and into P2 to P3 conversion attributed to the thickness-directionretardation R3 of the birefringent layer (III) 235. However, these twoconversions are the same in rotation center, juts opposite in rotationdirection. The rotation direction is determined by a plus and minus signof the thickness-direction retardation. The rotation angle is determinedby the magnitude of the thickness-direction retardation. Accordingly,the above-mentioned two conversions can be regarded as a directconversion P1 to P3 attributed to “the total thickness-directionretardation Rlc+R3” of the “VA LC cell 230+the birefringent layer (III)235”. In other words, two LCDs having the same value of Rlc+R3 have thesame optical characteristics regardless of the thickness-directionretardation Rlc of the VA LC cell 230. Table 2 shows the optimum valuesRlc+R3 calculated by computer simulations. As shown in Table 2 and FIG.10, with respect to the relationship between Nzq and the optimum Rlc+R3,the following (A) gives a sufficiently close approximate value in thecase of 1.0≦Nz≦2.9.

Rlc+R3=169 nm×Nzq−81 nm  (A)

In order to provide LC display with a high contrast ratio in a wideviewing angle, the retardation Rlc+R3, which is a sum of thethickness-direction retardation Rlc in a black state (in the absence ofan applied voltage to the LC layer) of the VA LC cell 230 and thethickness-direction retardation R3 of the birefringent layer (III) 235is most preferably the optimum value shown in Table 2 and FIG. 10.However, the value may slightly deviate from the optimum value unlessthe contrast ratio in oblique directions is significantly reduced. Forsufficient advantageous effects of the invention, it is preferable thatthe retardation Rlc+R3 is within the optimum value±30 nm.

TABLE 2 Nzq RIc + R3 (nm) 1.00 88 1.10 105 1.20 122 1.30 140 1.40 1571.50 174 1.60 191 1.70 208 2.00 259 2.30 309 2.40 325 2.50 342 2.90 406

(Compensation Principle in the 2nd Step)

Below mentioned is the case where the LCD device 200 of FIG. 5 after the1st step is viewed from a direction with an azimuth angle (hereinafter,also referred to as an “azimuth angle of 45°) bisecting the absorptionaxis azimuth angle of 90° of the first polarizer 210 and the absorptionaxis azimuth angle of 0° of the second polarizer 230 and the directioninclined by 60°. As mentioned above, in the LCD device 200, the opticalcompensation at an azimuth angle of 0° has been achieved by determiningthe optimum values each of thickness-direction retardation R3 of thebirefringent layer (III) 235 and the thickness-direction retardation Rlcof the LC cell 230 in accordance with the Nz coefficient Nzq of each ofthe first and second λ/4 retarders 220 and 240. FIG. 11 is a viewshowing changes in the polarization state of a light beam emitted from abacklight under this condition, represented on S1-S2 plane of thePoincare sphere. The points in FIG. 11 show the respective polarizationstates at the output of the respective polarizers 210 and 250, therespective birefringent layers 220 and 240, and the LC cell 230.

The polarization state just at the output of the first polarizer 210 isrepresented by P0 on the Poincare sphere, which does not correspond tothe polarization state the second polarizer 250 can absorb, i.e.,extinction position (absorption axis azimuth) of the second polarizer250. This shows that optical compensation is required when the LCDdevice 200 is viewed from the oblique direction with an azimuth angle of45° because in this oblique direction, the first and second polarizers210 and 250 are not orthogonal to each other. When the light beam passesthrough the first quarter-wave plate 220, P0 is moved to P1 by rotationby a specific angle around the slow axis of the first quarter-wave plate220 represented by Q1 on the Poincare sphere. The rotation is in acounterclockwise direction when the coordinate origin O is viewed fromQ1.

Successively, the light beam passes through the VA LC cell 230, and P1is moved to P2 by rotation by a specific angle around the slow axis ofthe LC cell 230 represented by L on the Poincare sphere. This rotationis in a counterclockwise direction when the coordinate origin O isviewed from L. Then the light beam passes through the birefringent layer(III), and P2 reaches P3 by rotation by a specific angle around the slowaxis of the birefringent layer (III) 235 represented by R3 on thePoincare sphere. The rotation is in a counterclockwise direction whenthe coordinate origin O is viewed from R3. Finally, the light beampasses through the second quarter-wave plate 240, and P3 is moved to P4by rotation by a specific angle around the slow axis of the secondquarter-wave plate 240 represented by Q2. This P4 does not correspond toextinction position E of the second polarizer 250. Thus, the LCD device200 of FIG. 5 can not block the light beam from the backlight whenviewed from the oblique direction with an azimuth angle of 45° and apolar angle of 60°. Specifically, the optical compensation is notachieved when the LCD device 200 just having undergone the 1st step isviewed from the oblique direction with an azimuth angle of 45°.

The positions of P1 to P4 in FIG. 11 depend on the Nz coefficient Nzq ofeach of the first and second quarter-wave plates 220 and 240, thethickness-direction retardation Rlc of the LC cell 230, and thethickness-direction retardation R3 of the birefringent layer (III) 235.FIG. 11 shows, as an example, the embodiment where Nzq=1.6, Rlc=320 nm,and R3=−129 nm are satisfied. For simply showing the conversion of thepolarization state, the positions of the respective points are roughlyshown and might not be accurate. For ease of illustration, the arrowsshowing tracing from P1 to P4 are not shown.

The following will mention a CPVA LCD device 300 including thebirefringent layer (II) as shown in FIG. 12, and having a multi-layerstructure composed of a first polarizer 310 (absorption axis azimuthangle of 90°), a first quarter-wave plate 320 (slow axis azimuth angleof 135°), a VA LC cell 330, a birefringent layer (III) 335, a secondquarter-wave plate 340 (slow axis azimuth angle of 45°), a birefringentlayer (II) 345 (fast axis azimuth angle of 90°), and a second polarizer350 (absorption axis azimuth angle of 0°). To the configuration shown inFIG. 5, the birefringent layer (II) is added for optical compensation atan azimuth angle of 45°. In FIG. 12, the arrow shown in each of thefirst and second polarizers 310 and 350 represents an azimuth of theabsorption axis thereof; the arrow shown in each of the first and secondquarter-wave plates 320 and 340 represents an azimuth of the slow axisthereof; and the arrow shown in the birefringent layer (II) 345represents an azimuth of the fast axis thereof. The ellipsoidal bodiesin the VA LC cell 330 and the birefringent layer (III) 335 show theshape of the respective refractive index ellipsoidal bodies thereof.

First, the polarization state when the CPVA LCD device 300 in FIG. 12 isviewed from the front direction is mentioned. FIG. 13 is a view showingchanges in the polarization state of a light beam emitted from abacklight (not shown in FIG. 12, but located below the first polarizer310), represented on S1-S2 plane of the Poincare sphere. The points inFIG. 13 show the respective polarization states at the output of therespective polarizers 310 and 350, the respective birefringent layers320 and 340, and the LC cell 330.

The polarization state of the light beam just at the output of the firstpolarizer 310 is represented by P0 on the Poincare sphere and P0corresponds to E showing a polarization state the second polarizer 350can absorb, i.e., extinction position (absorption axis azimuth) of thesecond polarizer 350. Then, when the light beam passes through the firstquarter-wave plate 320, P0 is moved to P1 by rotation by a specificangle around ∘ the slow axis of the first quarter-wave plate 320represented by Q1 on the Poincare sphere. The rotation is in acounterclockwise direction when the coordinate origin O is viewed fromQ1.

Successively, the light beam passes through the VA LC cell 330 and thebirefringent layer (III) 335 but does not change in its polarizationstate because the cell 330 and the birefringent layer (III) 335 eachhave a retardation of zero in the front direction. Then the light beampasses through the second quarter-wave plate 340, and P1 reaches P2 byrotation by a specific angle around the slow axis of the secondquarter-wave plate 340 represented by Q2. Finally, the light beam passesthrough the birefringent layer (II) 345, but the polarization statethereof represented by P2 is not changed even after the rotation by aspecific angle around the fast axis of the birefringent layer (II) 345represented by R2 on the Poincare sphere. This P2 corresponds toextinction position E of the second polarizer 350. Thus, the LCD device300 of FIG. 12 can block the light beam from the backlight to display anexcellent black screen when viewed from the front direction, as in theLCD device 100 of FIG. 1.

Next, the polarization state when the CPVA LCD device 200 in FIG. 12 isviewed from an oblique direction with an azimuth angle of 45° and apolar angle of 60° is mentioned. FIG. 14 is a view showing changes inthe polarization state of a light beam emitted from a backlight underthis condition, represented on S1-S2 plane of the Poincare sphere. Thepoints in FIG. 14 show the respective polarization states at the outputof the respective polarizers 310 and 350, the respective birefringentlayers 320 and 340, and the LC cell 330.

The polarization state of the light beam just at the output of the firstpolarizer 310 is represented by P0 on the Poincare sphere and P0 doesnot correspond to E showing a polarization state the second polarizer350 can absorb, i.e., extinction position (absorption axis azimuth) ofthe second polarizer 350. Then, when the light beam passes through thefirst quarter-wave plate 320, P0 reaches P1 by rotation by a specificangle around the slow axis of the first quarter-wave plate 320represented by Q1 on the Poincare sphere. The rotation is in acounterclockwise direction when the coordinate origin O is viewed fromQ1.

Successively, the light beam passes through the VA LC cell 330, and P1is moved to P2 by rotation by a specific angle with respect to the slowaxis of the LC cell 330 represented by L on the Poincare sphere. Therotation is in the counterclockwise direction when the coordinate originO is viewed from L. Then the light beam passes through the birefringentlayer (III) 335, and P2 reaches P3 by rotation by a specific anglearound the slow axis of the birefringent layer (III) 335 represented byR3 on the Poincare sphere. The rotation is in the counterclockwisedirection when the coordinate origin O is viewed from R3. Then the lightbeam passes through the second quarter-wave plate 340, and P3 reaches P4by rotation by a specific angle with respect to the slow axis of thesecond quarter-wave plate 340 represented by Q2. Finally, the light beampasses through the birefringent layer (II) 345, and P4 reaches P5 byrotation by a specific angle around the fast axis of the birefringentlayer (II) 345 represented by R2 on the Poincare sphere. The rotation isin a clockwise direction when the coordinate origin O is viewed from R2.This P5 corresponds to extinction position E of the second polarizer350. Thus, the LCD device 300 of FIG. 12 can block the light beam fromthe backlight when viewed from the oblique direction with an azimuthangle of 45° and a polar angle of 60°, similarly in the front direction.

Finally, mentioned is the case where the CPVA LCD device 300 of FIG. 12is viewed from an oblique direction with an azimuth angle of 0° and apolar angle of 60°. FIG. 15 is a view showing changes in thepolarization state of a light beam emitted from a backlight under thiscondition, represented on S1-S2 plane of the Poincare sphere. The pointsin FIG. 15 show the respective polarization states at the output of therespective polarizers 310 and 350, the birefringent layer 320 and 340,and the LC cell 330.

The polarization state of the light beam just at the output of the firstpolarizer 310 is represented by P0 on the Poincare sphere and P0corresponds to E showing a polarization state the second polarizer 350can absorb, i.e., extinction position (absorption axis azimuth) of thesecond polarizer 350. Then, when the light beam passes through the firstquarter-wave plate 320, P0 reaches P1 by rotation by a specific anglearound the slow axis of the first quarter-wave plate 320 represented byQ1 on the Poincare sphere. The rotation is in a counterclockwisedirection when the coordinate origin O is viewed from Q1.

Successively, the light beam passes through the VA LC cell 330, and P1reaches P2 by rotation by a specific angle around the slow axis of theLC cell 330, represented by L on the Poincare sphere. The rotation is ina counterclockwise direction when the coordinate origin O is viewed fromL. Then, the light beam passes through the birefringent layer (III) 335,and P2 reaches P3 by rotation by a specific angle with respect to theslow axis of the birefringent layer (III) 335, represented by R3 on thePoincare sphere. Then the light beam passes through the secondquarter-wave plate 340, and P3 reaches P4 by rotation by a specificangle around the slow axis of the second quarter-wave plate 340,represented by Q2. Finally, the light beam passes through thebirefringent layer (II) 345, but the polarization state represented byP4 is not changed even after the rotation by a specific angle around thefast axis of the birefringent layer (II) 345 represented by R2 on thePoincare sphere. This P4 corresponds to extinction position E of thesecond polarizer 350. Thus, the LCD device 300 of FIG. 12 can block thelight beam from the backlight to display an excellent black screen whenviewed from the oblique direction with an azimuth angle of 0° and apolar angle of 60°, similarly in the front direction.

Thus, the LCD device 300 in FIG. 12 having undergone the 2nd step canblock the light beam from the backlight in each of the front directionand the oblique directions with the respective azimuths of 0° and 45°.

The positions of P1 to P5 in FIGS. 13, 14, and 15 depend on the Nzcoefficient Nzq of each of the first and second quarter-wave plates 320and 340, the thickness-direction retardation Rlc of the LC cell 330, thethickness-direction retardation R3 of the birefringent layer (III) 335,and the Nz coefficient Nz2 and the retardation R2 of the birefringentlayer (II) 345. FIGS. 13, 14, and 15 show, as an example, the embodimentwhere Nzq=1.6, Rlc=320 nm, R3=−129 nm, Nz2=−0.30, and R2=118 nm aresatisfied. For simply showing the conversion of the polarization state,the positions of the respective points are roughly shown and might notbe accurate. For ease of illustration, the arrows showing tracing fromP1 to P5 are not shown.

The inventor's studies determined that the optimum values each of the Nzcoefficient Nz2 and the retardation R2 of the birefringent layer (II)345 vary depending on the Nz coefficient Nzq of each of the first andsecond quarter-wave plates 320 and 340. FIGS. 16 and 17 are views eachshowing changes in the polarization state when the CPVA LCD device 300in FIG. 12 is viewed from the oblique direction with an absorption axisazimuth 45° of the second polarizer 350 and a polar angle of 60°,represented on S1-S2 plane of the Poincare sphere. FIG. 16 shows theembodiment where Nzq=2.0, Rlc=320 nm, R3=−61 nm, Nz2=−1.00, and R2=94 nmare satisfied. FIG. 17 shows the embodiment where Nzq=2.35, Rlc=320 nm,R3=0 nm, Nz2=−1.80, and R2=90 nm are satisfied.

As shown in FIGS. 15, 16, and 17, the larger Nz coefficient Nzq thefirst and second quarter-wave plates 320 and 340 have, the largerdistance from E showing extinction position P4 showing the polarizationstate just before passage through the birefringent layer 345 has.Therefore, in order that P4 corresponds to E, the radius of the rotationin P4-P5 conversion is required to be larger. As a result of theinventor's studies, the biaxiality of the birefringent layer (II) 345 isrequired to be larger for an increase in radius of the rotation.

Table 3 and FIGS. 18 and 19 show a relationship between the Nzcoefficients Nzq of the first and second quarter-wave plates 320 and340, and the optimum values each of the Nz coefficient Nz2 and thein-plane retardation R2 of the birefringent layer (II) 345, based on theresults determined by computer simulations. As shown in Table 3 andFIGS. 18 and 19, the relationship between Nz2 and R2 is not simpletypically, but in the case of 1.0≦Nz≦2.9, the following (B) and (C) givea sufficiently close approximation to Nz2 and R2, respectively, whichare shown by the lines (solid line) in FIGS. 18 and 19.

Nz2=−0.63×Nzq2+0.56×Nzq+0.40  (B)

R2=43 nm×Nzq2−266 nm×Nzq+370 nm  (C)

The values Nz2 and R2 of the birefringent layer (II) 345 are mostpreferably the optimum values shown in Table 3 and FIGS. 18 and 19,respectively, in order to provide LC display with a high contrast ratioin a wide viewing angle range. However, the values may slightly deviatefrom the respective optimum values unless the contrast ratio in obliquedirections is significantly reduced. For sufficient advantageous effectsof the invention, the Nz coefficient Nz2 is preferably within theoptimum value±0.35. The in-plane retardation R2 is preferably within theoptimum value±30 nm.

As shown in Table 3 and FIG. 18, in the case of Nzq<1.40, the optimumvalue Nz2 is in a range of 0<Nz2<1. The birefringent layer having the Nzcoefficient satisfying this range is a biaxial retardation filmsatisfying nx>nz>ny. Accordingly, such a layer does not correspond tothe second birefringent layer (II) and is an expensive film that isharder to produce than the birefringent layer (II) is. Under thiscircumstance, the present inventor made various investigations on asimple and cost-effective method of providing LC display with a highcontrast ratio in a wide viewing angle range in the case of Nzq<1.40. Asa result, in the case of Nzq<1.40, use of the birefringent layer (II)satisfying Nz2=0 and R2=138 nm, instead of the birefringent layersatisfying the optimum values Nz2 and R2 shown in Table 3 and FIGS. 18and 19, contributes to sufficient advantageous effects of the presentinvention. For example, in each of the cases of Nzq=1.00, 1.10, 1.20,and 1.30, the calculated optimum value R2 is 138 nm when Nz2=0regardless of the value Nzq. In order to sufficiently exhibit theadvantageous effects of the present invention, it is preferable that−0.35≦Nz2≦0 and 108 nm≦R2≦168 nm (within the optimum value 138 nm±30 nm)are satisfied.

TABLE 3 Nzq Nz2 R2 (nm) 1.00 0.35 186 1.10 0.25 169 1.20 0.15 154 1.300.10 148 1.40 −0.05 134 1.50 −0.15 127 1.60 −0.30 118 1.70 −0.45 1112.00 −1.00 94 2.30 −1.65 81 2.40 −1.90 78 2.50 −2.15 75 2.90 −3.20 66

EFFECT OF THE INVENTION

The LCD device of the present invention has a high contrast ratio in awide viewing angle range and can be easily produced at low cost. Such anLCD device of the present invention can be preferably used in displaydevices such as outdoor signage display devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration of a CPVALCD device having the simplest configuration, not including birefringentlayers (II) and (III).

FIG. 2( a) is a schematic view showing slow axes each of first andsecond quarter-wave plates that are orthogonal to each other in thefront direction when viewed in the front direction (the upper view); andalso is a schematic view showing that when viewed in an obliquedirection with an azimuth angle of 0° (the lower view).

FIG. 2( b) is a schematic view showing slow axes each of the first andsecond quarter-wave plates that are orthogonal to each other in thefront direction when viewed in the front direction (the upper view); andalso is a schematic view that when viewed in an oblique direction withan azimuth angle of 45° (the lower view).

FIG. 2( c) is a schematic view showing absorption axes each of the firstand second quarter-wave plates that are orthogonal to each other in thefront direction when viewed in the front direction (the upper view); andis a schematic view showing that when viewed in an oblique directionwith an azimuth angle of 45° (the lower view).

FIG. 3 is a view showing changes in polarization state of a transmissivelight beam at the output of the respective members in the case where theCPVA LCD device in FIG. 1 is viewed in the front direction, representedon S1-S2 plane of the Poincare sphere.

FIG. 4 is a view showing changes in polarization state of a transmissivelight beam at the output of the respective members in the case where theCPVA LCD device in FIG. 1 is viewed in an oblique direction with anazimuth angle of 0° and a polar angle of 60°, represented on S1-S2 planeof the Poincare sphere.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration of a CPVALCD device including a birefringent layer (III).

FIG. 6 is a view showing changes in polarization state of a transmissivelight beam at the output of the respective members in the case where theCPVA LCD device in FIG. 5 (Nzq=1.6, Rlc=320 nm, R3=−129 nm) is viewedfrom the front direction, represented on S1-S2 plane of the Poincaresphere.

FIG. 7 is a view showing changes in polarization state of a transmissivelight beam at the output of the respective members in the case where theCPVA LCD device in FIG. 5 (Nzq=1.6, Rlc=320 nm, R3=−129 nm) is viewedfrom an oblique direction with an azimuth angle of 0° and a polar angleof 60°, represented on S1-S2 plane of the Poincare sphere.

FIG. 8 is a view showing changes in polarization state of a transmissivelight beam at the output of the respective members in the case where theCPVA LCD device in FIG. 5 (Nzq=2.0, Rlc=320 nm, R3=−61 nm) is viewedfrom an oblique direction with an azimuth angle of 0° and a polar angleof 60°, represented on S1-S2 plane of the Poincare sphere.

FIG. 9 is a view showing changes in polarization state of a transmissivelight beam at the output of the respective members in the case where theCPVA LCD device in FIG. 5 (Nzq=2.35, Rlc=320 nm, R3=−61 nm) is viewedfrom an oblique direction with an azimuth angle of 0° and a polar angleof 60°, represented on S1-S2 plane of the Poincare sphere.

FIG. 10 is a graph showing a relationship between an Nz coefficient Nzqof each of first and second quarter-wave plates and an optimumthickness-direction retardation R3 of a birefringent layer (III) in theCPVA LCD device in FIG. 5.

FIG. 11 is a view showing changes in polarization state of atransmissive light beam at the output of the respective members in thecase where the CPVA LCD device in FIG. 5 is viewed from an obliquedirection with an azimuth angle of 45° and a polar angle of 60°,represented on S1-S2 plane of the Poincare sphere.

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view showing a CPVA LCD deviceincluding birefringent layers (II) and (III).

FIG. 13 is a view showing changes in polarization state of atransmissive light beam at the output of the respective members in thecase where the CPVA LCD device in FIG. 12 (Nzq=1.6, Rlc=320 nm, R3=−129nm, Nz2=−0.30, R2=118 nm) is viewed from the front direction,represented on S1-S2 plane of the Poincare sphere.

FIG. 14 is a view showing changes in polarization state of atransmissive light beam at the output of the respective members in thecase where the CPVA LCD device in FIG. 12 (Nzq=1.6, Rlc=320 nm, R3=−129nm, Nz2=−0.30, R2=118 nm) is viewed from an oblique direction with anazimuth angle of 45° and a polar angle of 60°, represented on S1-S2plane of the Poincare sphere.

FIG. 15 is a view showing changes in polarization state of atransmissive light beam at the output of the respective members in thecase where the CPVA LCD device in FIG. 12 (Nzq=1.6, Rlc=320 nm, R3=−129nm, Nz2=−0.30, R2=118 nm) is viewed from an oblique direction with anazimuth angle of 0° and a polar angle of 60°, represented on S1-S2 planeof the Poincare sphere.

FIG. 16 is a view showing changes in polarization state of atransmissive light beam at the output of the respective members in thecase where the CPVA LCD device in FIG. 12 (Nzq=2.0, Rlc=320 nm, R3=−61nm, Nz2=−1.00, R2=94 nm) is viewed from an oblique direction with anazimuth angle of 45° and a polar angle of 60°, represented on S1-S2plane of the Poincare sphere.

FIG. 17 is a view showing changes in polarization state of atransmissive light beam at the output of the respective members in thecase where the CPVA LCD device in FIG. 12 (Nzq=2.35, Rlc=320 nm, R3=0nm, Nz2=−1.80, R2=90 nm) is viewed from an oblique direction with anazimuth angle of 45° and a polar angle of 60°, represented on S1-S2plane of the Poincare sphere.

FIG. 18 is a graph showing a relationship between an Nz coefficient Nzqof each of first and second quarter-wave plates and an optimum in-planeretardation R2 of a birefringent layer (II).

FIG. 19 is a graph showing a relationship between an Nz coefficient Nzqof each of first and second quarter-wave plates and an optimum in-planeretardation R2 of a birefringent layer (II).

FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration of aCPVA LCD device including a birefringent layer (II).

FIG. 21( a) is an enlarged view schematically showing a cross section ofa moth-eye film.

FIG. 21( b) is an explanation view showing a change in refractive indexon an interface between a moth-eye film and air.

FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration of theCPVA LCD device in FIG. 12 with which a moth-eye film is furtherprovided.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION (Birefringent Layer)

With respect to the birefringent layers used in the present invention,materials and optical characteristics thereof are not especiallylimited. Examples of the materials include thin plates made of inorganicmaterials, stretched polymer films, and ones in which alignment ofliquid crystalline molecules is fixed. The method for forming thebirefringent layers is not especially limited. The polymer films may beformed by solvent cast, melt extrusion, and the like. Alternatively,coextrusion may be employed to form a plurality of birefringent layersat a time. The polymer films may or may not be stretched as long asdesired retardations can be exhibited. The stretching method is notespecially limited. The polymer films may be stretched under tensionbetween rolls, compressed and stretched between rolls, uniaxiallystretched in a transverse direction with a tenter, stretched in anoblique direction, or biaxially stretched in longitudinal and transversedirections. Alternatively, the polymer films may be stretched under theinfluence of contractile force of a thermo-shrinkable film. Particularlythe quarter-wave plate is preferably produced by being stretching apolymer film in a direction oblique to a feeding direction of a rollfilm because this quarter-wave plate is stacked on a polarizer so as toform a relative angle of about 45° with a polarizer to serve as acircular polarizer. When the liquid crystalline materials are used, forexample, liquid crystalline molecules are applied on a base film with analignment treatment-provided surface, and thereby fixing alignment ofthe liquid crystalline molecules. The base film may not be provided withthe alignment treatment or the coating may be separated from the basefilm after the alignment fixing to be transferred onto another film aslong as the desired retardations are exhibited. Alternatively, thealignment of the LC molecules may not be fixed. The same methods as inuse of the liquid crystalline materials may be employed whennon-crystalline materials are used. The following will in more detaildescribe the birefringent layers classified by types.

(Birefringent Layer (I): First and Second Quarter-Wave Plates)

The birefringent layer (I) may include a material formed by stretching afilm containing a component with positive intrinsic birefringence.Examples of the component with positive intrinsic birefringence includepolycarbonate, polysulfone, polyether sulfone, polyethyleneterephthalate, polyethylene, polyvinyl alcohol, norbornene, triacetylcellulose, and diatyl cellulose.

(Birefringent Layer (II))

The birefringent layer (II) may include a material formed by stretchinga film containing a component with negative intrinsic birefringence orone formed by stretching a film containing a component with positiveintrinsic birefringence under the influence of contractile force of athermo-shrinkable film. For simplification of the production method, oneformed by stretching a film containing a component with negativeintrinsic birefringence is preferable. Examples of the component withnegative intrinsic birefringence include polystyrene, polyvinylnaphthalene, polyvinyl biphenyl, polyvinyl pyridine, polymethylmethacrylate, polymethyl acrylate, an N-substituted maleimide copolymer,fluorene skeleton-containing polycarbonate, and triacetyl cellulose(particularly with a small acetylation degree). In view of opticalcharacteristics, productivity, and heat resistance, a resin compositioncontaining an acrylic resin and a styrene resin is particularlypreferable as the component with negative intrinsic birefringence. Forexample, Japanese Kokai Publication No. 2008-146003 discloses aproduction method of a film containing such a resin composition.

(Birefringent Layer (III))

The birefringent layer (III) may include a material formed by stretchingin longitudinal and transverse directions a film containing a componentwith positive intrinsic birefringence, one coated with a liquidcrystalline compound e.g. a cholesteric (chiral nematic) liquid crystaland a discotic liquid crystal, and one coated with a non-liquidcrystalline compound including a polymer e.g. polyimide and polyamide.

(Polarizer)

The polarizers may include a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) film with adichroic anisotropic material such as an iodine complex adsorbed andaligned thereon.

(LC Cell)

The LC cell is not especially limited as long as it can display a blackscreen by aligning LC molecules in the LC, cell vertically to thesubstrate surface, and VA LC cells may be employed, for example.Examples of the VA LC cells include MVA, CPA, PVA, EVA, Reverse TN LCcells, and IPS-VA (in-plane switching-VA). Examples of a driving systemof the LC cell include TFT system (active matrix system), passive matrixsystem, and plasma address system. The LC cell has a configuration, forexample, in which LCs are disposed between a pair of substrates eachprovided with electrodes and display is provided by voltage applicationbetween the electrodes.

(Method for Measuring R, Rth, Nz Coefficient, Nx, Ny, and Nz)

R, Rth, Nz coefficient, nx, ny, and nz were measured with adual-rotating retarder polarimeter (Axo-scan, Axometrics, Inc.).In-plane retardation R was measured from the normal direction of thebirefringent layer. Principal refractive indices nx, ny, and nz,thickness-direction retardation Rth, and Nz coefficient were calculatedby curve fitting with a known index ellipsoid. For the calculation,retardations of the birefringent layer were measured from the normaldirection and the directions each with a polar angle of −50° to 50° fromthe normal direction. Azimuths of the inclinations each were madeorthogonal to the in-plane slow axis. Rxz, Nz, nx, ny, and nz depend onthe average refractive index=(nx+ny+nz)/3, which is given as thecondition for the curve fitting calculation. Here, the averagerefractive index of each birefringent layer was set to 1.5. Even in thecase of the birefringent layer having an actual average refractive indexof not 1.5, the average refractive index was converted into 1.5.

(Method for Measuring Viewing Angle Dependence of Contrast of LCDDevice)

The viewing angle dependence of contrast was measured with a viewingangle measuring apparatus (EZContrast 160, ELDIM). The light source wasa backlight mounted on a LC TV (LC37-GH1, SHARP Corp.). Brightnessesupon displaying a white screen and a black screen were measured in theoblique direction with an azimuth angle of 45° and a polar angle of 60°.The ratio thereof was regarded as CR (45, 60). Brightnesses upondisplaying a white screen and a black screen were measured in theoblique direction with an azimuth angle of 0° and a polar angle of 60°.The ratio thereof was regarded as CR (0, 60).

The present invention is mentioned in more detail showing embodimentsbut not limited to these embodiments.

The LCD devices in Embodiments 1 to 13 and Reference Embodiments 1 to 22of the present invention are a CPVA LCD device 300 having a multi-layerstructure including, as shown in FIG. 12, a first polarizer 310, a firstquarter-wave plate (birefringent layer (I)) 320, a VA LC cell 330, abirefringent layer (III) 335, a second quarter-wave plate 340, abirefringent layer (II) 345, and a birefringent layer (III) 335, asecond quarter-wave plate 340, a birefringent layer (II) 345, and asecond polarizer 350 stacked in this order.

The LCD devices in Embodiments 14 to 18 and Reference Embodiments 23 to52 are a CPVA LCD device 400 having a multi-layer structure including,as shown in FIG. 20, a first polarizer 410, a first quarter-wave plate(birefringent layer (I)) 420, a VA LC cell 430, a second quarter-waveplate 440, a birefringent layer (II) 445, and a second polarizer 450stacked in this order. Specifically, the LCD device 400 shown in FIG. 20is different from that in FIG. 12 in that the birefringent layer (III)is not included. In FIG. 20, the arrow in each of the first and secondpolarizers 410 and 450 shows an azimuth of the absorption axis thereof;the arrow in each of the first and second quarter-wave plates 420 and440 shows an azimuth of the slow axis thereof; the arrow in thebirefringent layer (II) 445 shows an azimuth of the fast axis thereof;and the ellipsoidal body in the VA LC cell 430 shows the shape of therefractive index ellipsoidal body thereof.

The LCD device of Comparative Embodiment 1 is a VA LCD device includinga first polarizer, a TAC film, a first quarter-wave plate (birefringentlayer (I)), a VA LC cell, a second quarter-wave plate, a TAC film, and asecond polarizer, stacked in this order. The LCD device of ComparativeEmbodiment 2 is a VA LCD device including a first polarizer, a TAC film,a first quarter-wave plate (birefringent layer (I)), a VA LC cell, abirefringent layer (III), a quarter-wave plate (II), a TAC film, and asecond polarizer, stacked in this order.

The material name, axial angle, in-plane retardation R,thickness-direction retardation Rth or Rlc, and Nz coefficient of thepolarizers, the birefringent layers, and the LC cell of the respectiveEmbodiments are as shown in the following Table 4 (Embodiments 1 to 8),Table 5 (Embodiments 9 to 13), Table 6 (Embodiments 14 to 18), Table 7(Reference Embodiments 1 to 8), Table 8 (Reference Embodiments 9 to 14),Table 9 (Reference Embodiments 15 to 22), Table 10 (ReferenceEmbodiments 23 to 32), Table 11 (Reference Embodiments 33 to 42), andTable 12 (Reference Embodiments 43 to 52), and Table 13 (ComparativeEmbodiments 1 and 2). In Tables, the axis of each of the birefringentlayers is defined by an azimuth angle of the in-plane slow axis, and theaxis of each of the polarizers is defined by an azimuth angle of theabsorption axis. With respect to the birefringent layer (II), the designof the in-plane fast axis is important, and in Tables, the axis of thebirefringent layer (II) is defined by an azimuth angle of the in-planeslow axis, as in other birefringent layers. The in-plane fast axis ofthe birefringent layer (II) is orthogonal to the in-plane slow axis ofthe birefringent layer (II). In Tables, the name of the materials of therespective birefringent layers is indicated by means of the followingabbreviations.

NB: norbornene

ChLC: cholesteric liquid crystal

Pl: polyimide

TAC: triacetyl cellulose

A: resin composition containing acrylic resin and styrene resin

(Evaluation Results)

The viewing angle dependence of contrast of the LCD device wasdetermined in each embodiment, and the CR (45, 60) and the CRΔ (45, 60)were shown in Tables 4 to 13.

The LCD device in each of Embodiments 1 to 18 according to the presentinvention had a CR (0, 60) and a CR (45, 60) much higher than those ineach of Comparative Embodiments 1 and 2. Even in the visual evaluation,the LCD devices of Embodiments 1 to 18 each had a contrast ratio lessdepending on the viewing angle than that of the LCD devices inComparative Embodiments 1 and 2. had much better contrast ratio-viewingangle characteristics than those of Comparative Embodiments 1 and 2.

The LCD devices of Reference Embodiments 9 to 22 and 33 to 52 each had aCR (0, 69) and a CR (45, 60) higher than those, especially, a CR (45,60) much higher that that in each of Comparative Embodiments 1 and 2.Even in the visual evaluation, the LCD devices of Reference Embodiments9 to 22 and 33 to 52 each had a contrast ratio less depending on theviewing angle than that of the LCD devices in Comparative Embodiments 1and 2.

TABLE 4 Retardation [nm] Evaluation results Angle Rth Nz CR CR Opticalcomponents Material [°] R or Rlc coefficient (45, 60) (0, 60) Embodiment1 Second polarizer 0 35 178 Birefringent layer (II) A 0 138 −0.01 Secondquarter-wave plate NB 45 138 1.02 Birefringent layer (III) PI 0 −250 VAliquid crystal cell 340 First quarter-wave plate NB 135 138 1.02 Firstpolarizer 90 Embodiment 2 Second polarizer 0 34 178 Birefringent layer(II) A 0 138 −0.01 Second quarter-wave plate NB 45 138 1.02 Birefringentlayer (III) PI 0 −233 VA liquid crystal cell 320 First quarter-waveplate NB 135 138 1.02 First polarizer 90 Embodiment 3 Second polarizer 037 178 Birefringent layer (II) A 0 138 −0.01 Second quarter-wave plateNB 45 138 1.10 Birefringent layer (III) PI 0 −233 VA liquid crystal cell340 First quarter-wave plate NB 135 138 1.10 First polarizer 90Embodiment 4 Second polarizer 0 37 176 Birefringent layer (II) A 0 138−0.01 Second quarter-wave plate NB 45 138 1.10 Birefringent layer (III)PI 0 −212 VA liquid crystal cell 320 First quarter-wave plate NB 135 1381.10 First polarizer 90 Embodiment 5 Second polarizer 0 38 177Birefringent layer (II) A 0 138 −0.01 Second quarter-wave NB 45 138 1.22Birefringent layer (III) PI 0 −212 VA liquid crystal cell 340 Firstquarter-wave plate NB 135 138 1.10 First polarizer 90 Embodiment 6Second polarizer 0 36 177 Birefringent layer (II) A 0 138 −0.01 Secondquarter-wave plate NB 45 138 1.22 Birefringent layer (III) PI 0 −198 VAliquid crystal cell 320 First quarter-wave plate NB 135 138 1.10 Firstpolarizer 90 Embodiment 7 Second polarizer 0 37 177 Birefringent layer(II) A 0 138 −0.01 Second quarter-wave plate NB 45 138 1.31 Birefringentlayer (III) PI 0 −198 VA liquid crystal cell 340 First quarter-waveplate NB 135 138 1.10 First polarizer 90 Embodiment 8 Second polarizer 037 178 Birefringent layer (II) A 0 138 −0.01 Second quarter-wave plateNB 45 138 1.31 Birefringent layer (III) PI 0 −177 VA liquid crystal cell320 First quarter-wave plate NB 135 138 1.10 First polarizer 90

TABLE 5 Retardation [nm] Evaluation results Angle Rth Nz CR CR Opticalcomponents Material [°] R or Rlc coefficient (45, 60) (0, 60) Embodiment9 Second polarizer 0 66 175 Birefringent layer (II) A 0 121 −0.32 Secondquarter-wave plate NB 45 138 1.58 Birefringent layer (III) PI 1 −152 VAliquid crystal cell 340 First quarter-wave plate NB 135 138 1.58 Firstpolarizer 90 Embodiment 10 Second polarizer 0 65 178 Birefringent layer(II) A 0 121 −0.32 Second quarter-wave plate NB 45 138 1.58 Birefringentlayer (III) PI 0 −127 VA liquid crystal cell 320 First quarter-waveplate NB 135 138 1.58 First polarizer 90 Embodiment 11 Second polarizer0 65 174 Birefringent layer (II) A 0 75 −2.13 Second quarter-wave plateNB 45 138 2.50 Birefringent layer (III) TAC 2 −55 VA liquid crystal cell400 First quarter-wave plate NB 135 138 2.50 First polarizer 90Embodiment 12 Second polarizer 0 60 176 Birefringent layer (II) A 0 70−3.21 Second quarter-wave plate NB 45 138 2.92 Birefringent layer (III)TAC 2 −55 VA liquid crystal cell 462 First quarter-wave plate NB 135 1382.92 First polarizer 90 Embodiment 13 Second polarizer 0 62 176Birefringent layer (II) A 0 70 −3.21 Second quarter-wave plate NB 45 1382.92 Birefringent layer (III) NB 2 −22 VA liquid crystal cell 433 Firstquarter-wave plate NB 135 138 2.92 First polarizer 90

TABLE 6 Retardation [nm] Evaluation results Angle Rth Nz CR CR Opticalcomponents Material [°] R or Rlc coefficient (45, 60) (0, 60) Embodiment14 Second polarizer 0 58 175 Birefringent layer (II) A 0 85 −1.21 Secondquarter-wave plate NB 45 138 2.08 VA liquid crystal cell 290 Firstquarter-wave plate NB 135 138 2.08 First polarizer 90 Embodiment 15Second polarizer 0 55 178 Birefringent layer (II) A 0 78 −1.58 Secondquarter-wave plate NB 45 138 2.31 VA liquid crystal cell 310 Firstquarter-wave plate NB 135 138 2.31 First polarizer 90 Embodiment 16Second polarizer 0 56 175 Birefringent layer (II) A 0 74 −1.87 Secondquarter-wave plate NB 45 138 2.37 VA liquid crystal cell 320 Firstquarter-wave plate NB 135 138 2.37 First polarizer 90 Embodiment 17Second polarizer 0 55 175 Birefringent layer (II) A 0 70 −2.10 Secondquarter-wave plate NB 45 138 2.48 VA liquid crystal cell 340 Firstquarter-wave plate NB 135 138 2.48 First polarizer 90 Embodiment 18Second polarizer 0 52 172 Birefringent layer (II) A 0 68 −3.02 Secondquarter-wave plate NB 45 138 2.91 VA liquid crystal cell 400 Firstquarter-wave plate NB 135 138 2.91 First polarizer 90

TABLE 7 Retardation [nm] Evaluation results Angle Rth Nz CR CR Opticalcomponents Material [°] R or Rlc coefficient (45, 60) (0, 60) ReferenceSecond polarizer 0 35 145 Embodiment 1 Birefringent layer (II) A 0 138−0.01 Second quarter-wave plate NB 45 138 1.02 Birefringent layer (III)PI 1 −272 VA liquid crystal cell 320 First quarter-wave plate NB 135 1381.02 First polarizer 90 Reference Second polarizer 0 33 143 Embodiment 2Birefringent layer (II) A 0 138 −0.01 Second quarter-wave plate NB 45138 1.02 Birefringent layer (III) PI 0 −195 VA liquid crystal cell 320First quarter-wave plate NB 135 138 1.02 First polarizer 90 ReferenceSecond polarizer 0 36 142 Embodiment 3 Birefringent layer (II) A 0 121−0.32 Second quarter-wave plate NB 45 138 1.58 Birefringent layer (III)PI 1 −170 VA liquid crystal cell 320 First quarter-wave plate NB 135 1381.58 First polarizer 90 Reference Second polarizer 0 34 144 Embodiment 4Birefringent layer (II) A 0 121 −0.32 Second quarter-wave plate NB 45138 1.58 Birefringent layer (III) PI 0 −88 VA liquid crystal cell 320First quarter-wave plate NB 135 138 1.58 First polarizer 90 ReferenceSecond polarizer 0 33 144 Embodiment 5 Birefringent layer (II) A 0 70−2.13 Second quarter-wave plate NB 45 138 2.50 Birefringent layer (III)PI 0 −105 VA liquid crystal cell 400 First quarter-wave plate NB 135 1382.50 First polarizer 90 Reference Second polarizer 0 29 146 Embodiment 6Birefringent layer (II) A 0 75 −2.13 Second quarter-wave plate NB 45 1382.50 Birefringent layer (III) NB 2 −22 VA liquid crystal cell 400 Firstquarter-wave plate NB 135 138 2.50 First polarizer 90 Reference Secondpolarizer 0 31 139 Embodiment 7 Birefringent layer (II) A 0 70 −3.21Second quarter-wave plate NB 45 138 2.92 Birefringent layer (III) PI 0−105 VA liquid crystal cell 462 First quarter-wave plate NB 135 138 2.92First polarizer 90 Reference Second polarizer 0 31 141 Embodiment 8Birefringent layer (II) A 0 70 −3.21 Second quarter-wave plate NB 45 1382.92 Birefringent layer (III) NB 2 −22 VA liquid crystal cell 462 Firstquarter-wave plate NB 135 138 2.92 First polarizer 90

TABLE 8 Retardation [nm] Evaluation results Angle Rth Nz CR CR Opticalcomponents Material [°] R or Rlc coefficient (45, 60) (0, 60) ReferenceSecond polarizer 0 25 178 Embodiment 9 Birefringent layer (II) A 0 183−0.12 Second quarter-wave plate NB 45 138 1.02 Birefringent layer (III)PI 0 −232 VA liquid crystal cell 320 First quarter-wave plate NB 135 1381.02 First polarizer 90 Reference Second polarizer 0 28 177 Embodiment10 Birefringent layer (II) A 0 120 −0.81 Second quarter-wave plate NB 45138 1.58 Birefringent layer (III) ChLC 1 −129 VA liquid crystal cell 320First quarter-wave plate NB 135 138 1.58 First polarizer 90 ReferenceSecond polarizer 0 22 172 Embodiment 11 Birefringent layer (II) A 0 75−1.70 Second quarter-wave plate NB 45 138 2.50 Birefringent layer (III)TAC 2 −55 VA liquid crystal cell 400 First quarter-wave plate NB 135 1382.50 First polarizer 90 Reference Second polarizer 0 25 177 Embodiment12 Birefringent layer (II) A 0 75 −2.51 Second quarter-wave plate NB 45138 2.50 Birefringent layer (III) TAC 2 −55 VA liquid crystal cell 400First quarter-wave plate NB 135 138 2.50 First polarizer 90 ReferenceSecond polarizer 0 23 175 Embodiment 13 Birefringent layer (II) A 0 71−2.83 Second quartet-wave plate NB 45 138 2.92 Birefringent layer (III)TAC 2 −55 VA liquid crystal cell 462 First quarter-wave plate NB 135 1382.92 First polarizer 90 Reference Second polarizer 0 25 175 Embodiment14 Birefringent layer (II) A 0 71 −3.69 Second quarter-wave plate NB 45138 2.92 Birefringent layer (III) TAC 2 −55 VA liquid crystal cell 462First quarter-wave plate NB 135 138 2.92 First polarizer 90

TABLE 9 Retardation [nm] Evaluation results Angle Rth Nz CR CR Opticalcomponents Material [°] R or Rlc coefficient (45, 60) (0, 60) ReferenceSecond polarizer 0 33 178 Embodiment 15 Birefringent layer (II) A 0 185−0.01 Second quarter-wave plate NB 45 138 1.02 Birefringent layer (III)PI 0 −232 VA liquid crystal cell 320 First quarter-wave plate NB 135 1381.02 First polarizer 90 Reference Second polarizer 0 30 177 Embodiment16 Birefringent layer (II) A 0 101 −0.01 Second quarter-wave plate NB 45138 1.02 Birefringent layer (III) PI 1 −232 VA liquid crystal cell 320First quarter-wave plate NB 135 138 1.02 First polarizer 90 ReferenceSecond polarizer 0 27 177 Embodiment 17 Birefringent layer (II) A 0 152−0.32 Second quarter-wave plate NB 45 138 1.58 Birefringent layer (III)PI 0 −129 VA liquid crystal cell 320 First quarter-wave plate NB 135 1381.58 First polarizer 90 Reference Second polarizer 0 31 174 Embodiment18 Birefringent layer (II) A 0 85 −0.32 Second quarter-wave plate NB 45138 1.58 Birefringent layer (III) PI 0 −129 VA liquid crystal cell 320First quarter-wave plate NB 135 138 1.58 First polarizer 90 ReferenceSecond polarizer 0 28 174 Embodiment 19 Birefringent layer (II) A 0 112−2.13 Second quarter-wave plate NB 45 138 2.50 Birefringent layer (III)TAC 2 −55 VA liquid crystal cell 400 First quarter-wave plate NB 135 1382.50 First polarizer 90 Reference Second polarizer 0 26 174 Embodiment20 Birefringent layer (II) A 0 41 −2.13 Second quarter-wave plate NB 45138 2.50 Birefringent layer (III) TAC 2 −55 VA liquid crystal cell 400First quarter-wave plate NB 135 138 2.50 First polarizer 90 ReferenceSecond polarizer 0 23 175 Embodiment 21 Birefringent layer (II) A 0 110−3.31 Second quarter-wave plate NB 45 138 2.92 Birefringent layer (III)TAC 2 −55 VA liquid crystal cell 462 First quarter-wave plate NB 135 1382.92 First polarizer 90 Reference Second polarizer 0 25 175 Embodiment22 Birefringent layer (II) A 0 42 −3.28 Second quarter-wave plate NB 45138 2.92 Birefringent layer (III) TAC 2 −55 VA liquid crystal cell 462First quarter-wave plate NB 135 138 2.92 First polarizer 90

TABLE 10 Retardation [nm] Evaluation results Angle Rth Nz CR CR Opticalcomponents Material [°] R or Rlc coefficient (45, 60) (0, 60) ReferenceSecond polarizer 0 38 151 Embodiment 23 Birefringent layer (II) A 0 85−1.21 Second quarter-wave plate NB 45 138 2.08 VA liquid crystal cell325 First quarter-wave plate NB 135 138 2.08 First polarizer 90Reference Second polarizer 0 39 148 Embodiment 24 Birefringent layer(II) A 0 85 −1.21 Second quarter-wave plate NB 45 138 2.08 VA liquidcrystal cell 244 First quarter-wave plate NB 135 138 2.08 Firstpolarizer 90 Reference Second polarizer 0 35 144 Embodiment 25Birefringent layer (II) A 0 78 −1.58 Second quarter-wave plate NB 45 1382.31 VA liquid crystal cell 345 First quarter-wave plate NB 135 138 2.31First polarizer 90 Reference Second polarizer 0 38 142 Embodiment 26Birefringent layer (II) A 0 78 −1.58 Second quarter-wave plate NB 45 1382.31 VA liquid crystal cell 273 First quarter-wave plate NB 135 138 2.31First polarizer 90 Reference Second polarizer 0 37 140 Embodiment 27Birefringent layer (II) A 0 74 −1.87 Second quarter-wave plate NB 45 1382.37 VA liquid crystal cell 353 First quarter-wave plate NB 135 138 2.37First polarizer 90 Reference Second polarizer 0 35 139 Embodiment 28Birefringent layer (II) A 0 74 −1.87 Second quarter-wave plate NB 45 1382.37 VA liquid crystal cell 287 First quarter-wave plate NB 135 138 2.37First polarizer 90 Reference Second polarizer 0 36 142 Embodiment 29Birefringent layer (II) A 0 70 −2.10 Second quarter-wave plate NB 45 1382.48 VA liquid crystal cell 375 First quarter-wave plate NB 135 138 2.48First polarizer 90 Reference Second polarizer 0 34 144 Embodiment 30Birefringent layer (II) A 0 70 −2.10 Second quarter-wave plate NB 45 1382.48 VA liquid crystal cell 305 First quarter-wave plate NB 135 138 2.48First polarizer 90 Reference Second polarizer 0 36 139 Embodiment 31Birefringent layer (II) A 0 68 −3.02 Second quarter-wave plate NB 45 1382.91 VA liquid crystal cell 433 First quarter-wave plate NB 135 138 2.91First polarizer 90 Reference Second polarizer 0 34 133 Embodiment 32Birefringent layer (II) A 0 68 −3.02 Second quarter-wave plate NB 45 1382.91 VA liquid crystal cell 364 First quarter-wave plate NB 135 138 2.91First polarizer 90

TABLE 11 Retardation [nm] Evaluation results Angle Rth Nz CR CR Opticalcomponents Material [°] R or Rlc coefficient (45, 60) (0, 60) ReferenceSecond polarizer 0 29 177 Embodiment 33 Birefringent layer (II) A 0 85−0.83 Second quarter-wave plate NB 45 138 2.08 VA liquid crystal cell290 First quarter-wave plate NB 135 138 2.08 First polarizer 90Reference Second polarizer 0 31 176 Embodiment 34 Birefringent layer(II) A 0 85 −1.59 Second quarter-wave plate NB 45 138 2.08 VA liquidcrystal cell 290 First quarter-wave plate NB 135 138 2.08 Firstpolarizer 90 Reference Second polarizer 0 30 175 Embodiment 35Birefringent layer (II) A 0 78 −1.21 Second quarter-wave plate NB 45 1382.31 VA liquid crystal cell 310 First quarter-wave plate NB 135 138 2.31First polarizer 90 Reference Second polarizer 0 31 178 Embodiment 36Birefringent layer (II) A 0 78 −1.97 Second quarter-wave plate NB 45 1382.31 VA liquid crystal cell 310 First quarter-wave plate NB 135 138 2.31First polarizer 90 Reference Second polarizer 0 29 170 Embodiment 37Birefringent layer (II) A 0 74 −1.49 Second quarter-wave plate NB 45 1382.37 VA liquid crystal cell 320 First quarter-wave plate NB 135 138 2.37First polarizer 90 Reference Second polarizer 0 33 172 Embodiment 38Birefringent layer (II) A 0 74 −2.27 Second quarter-wave plate NB 45 1382.37 VA liquid crystal cell 320 First quarter-wave plate NB 135 138 2.37First polarizer 90 Reference Second polarizer 0 28 173 Embodiment 39Birefringent layer (II) A 0 70 −1.73 Second quarter-wave plate NB 45 1382.48 VA liquid crystal cell 340 First quarter-wave plate NB 135 138 2.48First polarizer 90 Reference Second polarizer 0 28 177 Embodiment 40Birefringent layer (II) A 0 70 −2.49 Second quarter-wave plate NB 45 1382.48 VA liquid crystal cell 340 First quarter-wave plate NB 135 138 2.48First polarizer 90 Reference Second polarizer 0 30 174 Embodiment 41Birefringent layer (II) A 0 68 −2.63 Second quarter-wave plate NB 45 1382.91 VA liquid crystal cell 400 First quarter-wave plate NB 135 138 2.91First polarizer 90 Reference Second polarizer 0 30 173 Embodiment 42Birefringent layer (II) A 0 68 −3.40 Second quarter-wave plate NB 45 1382.91 VA liquid crystal cell 400 First quarter-wave plate NB 135 138 2.91First polarizer 90

TABLE 12 Retardation [nm] Evaluation results Angle Rth Nz CR CR Opticalcomponents Material [°] R or Rlc coefficient (45, 60) (0, 60) ReferenceSecond polarizer 0 32 175 Embodiment 43 Birefringent layer (II) A 0 117−1.21 Second quarter-wave plate NB 45 138 2.08 VA liquid crystal cell290 First quarter-wave plate NB 135 138 2.08 First polarizer 90Reference Second polarizer 0 31 177 Embodiment 44 Birefringent layer(II) A 0 53 −1.21 Second quarter-wave plate NB 45 138 2.08 VA liquidcrystal cell 290 First quarter-wave plate NB 135 138 2.08 Firstpolarizer 90 Reference Second polarizer 0 29 175 Embodiment 45Birefringent layer (II) A 0 109 −1.58 Second quarter-wave plate NB 45138 2.31 VA liquid crystal cell 310 First quarter-wave plate NB 135 1382.31 First polarizer 90 Reference Second polarizer 0 29 177 Embodiment46 Birefringent layer (II) A 0 42 −1.58 Second quarter-wave plate NB 45138 2.31 VA liquid crystal cell 310 First quarter-wave plate NB 135 1382.31 First polarizer 90 Reference Second polarizer 0 30 172 Embodiment47 Birefringent layer (II) A 0 110 −1.87 Second quarter-wave plate NB 45138 2.37 VA liquid crystal cell 320 First quarter-wave plate NB 135 1382.37 First polarizer 90 Reference Second polarizer 0 31 172 Embodiment48 Birefringent layer (II) A 0 43 −1.87 Second quarter-wave plate NB 45138 2.37 VA liquid crystal cell 320 First quarter-wave plate NB 135 1382.37 First polarizer 90 Reference Second polarizer 0 29 177 Embodiment49 Birefringent layer (II) A 0 40 −2.10 Second quarter-wave plate NB 45138 2.48 VA liquid crystal cell 340 First quarter-wave plate NB 135 1382.48 First polarizer 90 Reference Second polarizer 0 27 177 Embodiment50 Birefringent layer (II) A 0 109 −2.10 Second quarter-wave plate NB 45138 2.48 VA liquid crystal cell 340 First quarter-wave plate NB 135 1382.48 First polarizer 90 Reference Second polarizer 0 28 174 Embodiment51 Birefringent layer (II) A 0 42 −3.02 Second quarter-wave plate NB 45138 2.91 VA liquid crystal cell 400 First quarter-wave plate NB 135 1382.91 First polarizer 90 Reference Second polarizer 0 31 173 Embodiment52 Birefringent layer (II) A 0 107 −3.02 Second quarter-wave plate NB 45138 2.91 VA liquid crystal cell 400 First quarter-wave plate NB 135 1382.91 First polarizer 90

TABLE 13 Retardation [nm] Evaluation results Angle Rth Nz CR CR Opticalcomponents Material [°] R or Rlc coefficient (45, 60) (0, 60)Comparative Second polarizer −20 5 40 Embodiment 1 TAC film TAC 1 32Second quarter-wave plate NB 25 138 1.58 VA liquid crystal cell 320First quarter-wave plate NB 115 138 1.58 TAC film TAC 1 32 Firstpolarizer 70 Comparative Second polarizer 0 15 140 Embodiment 2 TAC filmTAC 1 32 Second quarter-wave plate A 45 138 −8 −0.01 Birefringent layer(III) NB 2 318 VA liquid crystal cell 320 First quarter-wave plate NB135 138 1.02 TAC film TAC 1 32 First polarizer 90

The LCD device in each of Embodiments and Reference Embodiments includesa circular polarizing plate composed of a linear polarizing plate(polarizer) and a quarter-wave plate on each side of the LC cell toprovide display in CPVA mode. The CPVA devices are effective inimprovement of the contrast ratio because the anti-reflection effectscan be obtained in addition to the transmittance-improvement effects.According to the anti-reflection in the CPVA LCD devices, the circularpolarizing plates inhibits a light beam once having entered the LCDdevice and then being reflected inside the device, i.e., a reflectedlight beam by internal reflection, from exiting the LCD device.Accordingly, in CPVA LCD devices, light beams reflected on black matrix,the lines, the electrodes, and the like in the LC cell hardly exit fromthe LCD devices, and particularly in bright environments, the reductionin contrast ratio of the LCD devices can be prevented.

Examples of the reflected light beams causing a reduction in contrastratio of the LCD devices in bright environments include a light beamthat has been reflected on the top of the LCD device without enteringthe device, i.e., a reflected light beam by surface reflection, inaddition to the reflected light by internal reflection. According to theCPVA LCD device, the amount of the reflected light beam by the surfacereflection has large effects on visibility of the display screen becausethe reflected light beam by internal reflection is suppressed.Accordingly, by providing the CPVA LCD device with a measure forreducing the reflected light by the surface reflection, the device canprovide a very high contrast ratio in bright environments, and a viewercan realize a marked improvement in display qualities.

The anti-reflection film for suppression of the surface reflectionincludes one having a multi-layer structure composed of films withdifferent refractive indices, and one having a surface on which fineprotrusions are formed. Particularly, a “moth-eye film”, which is onekind of the latter one, has a surface on which many protrusions smallerthan a wavelength (380 nm to 780 nm) of a visible light beam are formed,and due to this structure, very excellent effects of suppressing thesurface reflection can be exhibited. As shown in FIG. 21( a), a lightbeam entering the moth-eye film reaches a base material portion 362through fine protrusions 361 constituting the film surface, and so aregion where both of the protrusions and air exist between air and theportion 362 (A-B region in FIG. 21( a)) is regarded as a region with arefractive index intermediate between that of a material constitutingthe film (about 1.5 if a resin constitutes the film) and that of air(1.0). Specifically, the refractive index in this region continuouslyand gradually increases by a value shorter than the wavelength of thevisible light beam from the refractive index of air in contact with thefilm surface to the refractive index of the material for the film. As aresult, a light beam incident on the moth-eye film does not recognizethe air-film interface as an interface of the two with differentrefractive indices, and reflection of the light beam on the interfacecan be significantly reduced. According to the moth-eye films, forexample, a surface reflectance of a visible light beam can be reduced toabout 0.15%.

The moth-eye films are disposed between two media with differentrefractive indices to reduce a reflectance of a light beam on theinterface therebetween, but in the configuration in FIG. 12, theinternal reflection occurring on the inner side of the second polarizer350 can be suppressed by the circular polarizing plate composed of thesecond polarizer 350 and the second quarter-wave plate 340. Accordingly,when the configuration in FIG. 12 is provided with a moth-eye film, thefilm is disposed on the display face side of the second polarizer 350,as in a moth-eye film 360 shown in FIG. 22. When the LCD device includesmembers such as protective plates and multiple interfaces exist on thedisplay face side of the second polarizer 350, a moth-eye film may bedisposed at each interface and preferably disposed at least on the topsurface of the LCD device.

The moth-eye film, specifically, includes a resin film having a surfaceon which many protrusions each having a substantially conical shape witha height of about 200 nm are formed with a distance between the tops ofthe cones being about 200 nm.

Nanoimprint technology may be employed for production of the moth-eyefilm. Specifically, employed may be a technology of impartingprotrusions and recesses in nanometer size (1 μm to 100 μm) of a moldsurface on a resin material coated over a substrate. For curing of theresin material in nanoimprint technology, thermal nanoimprint, UVnanoimprint, and the like, may be employed. According to the UVnanoimprint, for example, a mold is pressed against a UV-curable resinfilm formed on a transparent substrate, and the film is irradiated withUV light, thereby producing a thin film with nanostructures in theinverse shape of the mold on the transparent substrate.

Roll-to-roll process is better than batch process when nanoimprinttechnology is used to produce a large number of thin films with amoth-eye structure at a low cost. By use of the roll-to-roll process,thin films with a moth-eye structure can be continuously produced with amold roller. Such a mold roller include one having nanosized recessesformed on a polished outer circumference surface of a conical orcylindrical aluminum tube by anodization. According to anodization, thenanosized recesses can be formed in a random placement and in a uniformdistribution, and seamless structures (moth-eye structures) preferablefor continuous production can be formed on a mold roller surface.

The present application claims priority to Patent Application No.2009-015927 filed in Japan on Jan. 27, 2009 under the Paris Conventionand provisions of national law in a designated State, the entirecontents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

EXPLANATION OF SYMBOLS

-   100: CPVA LCD device-   110: First polarizer-   111: Absorption axis of first polarizer-   120: First quarter-wave plate-   121: Slow axis of first quarter-wave plate-   130: VA LC cell-   140: Second quarter-wave plate-   141: Slow axis of second quarter-wave plate-   150: Second polarizer-   151: Absorption axis of second polarizer-   200: CPVA LCD device-   210: fist polarizer-   220: First quarter-wave plate-   230: VA LC cell-   235: Birefringent layer (III)-   240: Second quarter-wave plate-   250: Second polarizer-   300: CPVA LCD device-   310: First polarizer-   320: First quarter-wave plate-   330: VA LC cell-   335: Birefringent layer (III)-   340: Second quarter-wave plate-   345: Birefringent layer (II)-   350: Second polarizer-   400: CPVA LCD device-   410: First polarizer-   420: First quarter-wave plate-   430: VA LC cell-   440: Second quarter-wave plate-   445: Birefringent layer (II)-   450: Second polarizer

1-13. (canceled)
 14. A liquid crystal display device, comprising in thefollowing order: a first polarizer; a first birefringent layer (I); aliquid crystal cell including a liquid crystal layer interposed betweena pair of substrates facing each other, a second birefringent layer (I);a birefringent layer (II); and a second polarizer, and the devicefurther comprising at least one birefringent layer (III) between thefirst birefringent layer (I) and the liquid crystal cell and/or betweenthe liquid crystal cell and the second birefringent layer (I), the firstand second birefringent layers (I) each satisfying nx>ny≧nz, having anin-plane retardation of λ/4, and having substantially the same Nzcoefficient, the birefringent layer (II) satisfying nx<ny≦nz, thebirefringent layer (III) satisfying nx≈ny≧nz, wherein the firstbirefringent layer (I) has an in-plane slow axis forming an angle ofabout 45° with an absorption axis of the first polarizer; the secondbirefringent layer (I) has an in-plane slow axis substantiallyorthogonal to the in-plane slow axis of the first birefringent layer(I); the second polarizer has an absorption axis substantiallyorthogonal to the absorption axis of the first polarizer; thebirefringent layer (II) has an in-plane fast axis substantiallyorthogonal to the absorption axis of the second polarizer; the LC celldisplays a black screen by aligning liquid crystal molecules in theliquid crystal layer substantially vertically to the substrate surface;and the liquid crystal display device satisfies the following formulae(1) to (3):1.0≦Nzq≦2.9  (1)(169 nm×Nzq−81 nm)−30 nm≦Rlc+R3  (2)Rlc+R3≦(169 nm×Nzq−81 nm)+30 nm  (3), where the Nz coefficient of eachof the first and second birefringent layers (I) is defined as Nzq; athickness-direction retardation of the liquid crystal cell in a blackstate is defined as Rlc; a sum of a thickness-direction retardation ofthe at least one birefringent layer (III) disposed between the firstbirefringent layer (I) and the second birefringent layer (I) is definedas R3. a sum of a thickness-direction retardation of the at least onebirefringent layer (III) disposed between the first birefringent layer(I) and the second birefringent layer (I) is defined as R3.
 15. Theliquid crystal display device according to claim 14, wherein the liquidcrystal display device satisfies the following formulae (4) to (7):(−0.63×Nzq2+0.56×Nzq+0.40)−0.35≦Nz2  (4)Nz2≦(−0.63×Nzq2+0.56×Nzq+0.40)+0.35  (5)(43 nm×Nzq2−226 nm×Nzq+370 nm)−30 nm≦R2  (6)R2≦(43 nm×Nzq2−266 nm×Nzq+370 nm)+30 nm  (7), where an Nz coefficient ofthe birefringent layer (II) is defined as Nz2; and an in-planeretardation of the birefringent layer (II) is defined as R2.
 16. Theliquid crystal display device according to claim 15, wherein the liquidcrystal display device satisfies 1.40≦Nzq.
 17. The liquid crystaldisplay device according to claim 14, wherein the liquid crystal displaydevice satisfies Nzq<2.00.
 18. The liquid crystal display deviceaccording to claim 14, wherein the liquid crystal display devicesatisfies:Nzq<1.40;−0.35≦Nz2≦0; and108 nm≦R2≦168 nm, where the Nz coefficient of each of the first andsecond birefringent layers (I) is defined as Nzq; an Nz coefficient ofthe birefringent layer (II) is defined as Nz2; and an in-planeretardation of the birefringent layer (II) is defined as R2.
 19. Theliquid crystal display device according to claim 14, further comprisinga moth-eye film on the display face side of the second polarizer,wherein the moth-eye film has a surface with a large number ofprotrusions thereon, the protrusions being each smaller than awavelength of visible light.
 20. A liquid crystal display device,comprising in the following order: a first polarizer; a firstbirefringent layer (I); a liquid crystal cell including a liquid crystallayer interposed between a pair of substrates facing each other, asecond birefringent layer (I); a birefringent layer (II); and a secondpolarizer, and the device being free of a birefringent layer (III)between the first birefringent layer (I) and the liquid crystal cell andbetween the liquid crystal cell and the second birefringent layer (I),the first and second birefringent layers (I) each satisfying nx>ny≧nz,having an in-plane retardation of λ/4, and having substantially the sameNz coefficient, the birefringent layer (II) satisfying nx<ny≦nz, thebirefringent layer (III) satisfying nx≈ny≧nz, wherein the firstbirefringent layer (I) has an in-plane slow axis forming an angle ofabout 45° with an absorption axis of the first polarizer; the secondbirefringent layer (I) has an in-plane slow axis substantiallyorthogonal to the in-plane slow axis of the first birefringent layer(I); the second polarizer has an absorption axis substantiallyorthogonal to the absorption axis of the first polarizer; thebirefringent layer (II) has an in-plane fast axis substantiallyorthogonal to the absorption axis of the second polarizer; the LC celldisplays a black screen by aligning liquid crystal molecules in theliquid crystal layer substantially vertically to the substrate surface;and the liquid crystal display device satisfies 2.00≦Nzq, where the Nzcoefficient of each of the first and second birefringent layers (I) isdefined as Nzq.
 21. The liquid crystal display device according to claim20, further comprising a moth-eye film on the display face side of thesecond polarizer, wherein the moth-eye film has a surface with a largenumber of protrusions thereon, the protrusions being each smaller than awavelength of visible light.